Atlantic City Boxing Notebook: The Return of AC’s Regular Fights

By Boxing Insider Promotions

Tropicana Atlantic City, the longtime epicenter of East Coast boxing, is roaring back in 2026. On Saturday, March 7th, Boxing Insider Promotions returns to the Tropicana Showroom with a stacked card showcasing women’s boxing and regional talent—capping one of the busiest fight weekends the city has seen in years, with Ring of Combat MMA packing the same venue the night before on Friday.

March 7th Main Attractions at Tropicana

“Mr. Atlantic City” Justin Figueroa, the NABF Junior Welterweight champion, hunts his 15th professional win in a major matchup we’ll fully announce soon.

John Leonardo, who headlined Boxing Insider’s very first professional card in May 2024 in Manalapan Township, NJ, makes his highly anticipated return to the ring on March 7th against veteran Edgar Joe Cortes from Millville, NJ.

Women’s boxing steals the spotlight when Lia Lewandowski clashes with Indeya Smith in a fight already generating serious buzz as one of the top women’s bouts of the early year.

Josh Popper of Bredwinners Boxing returns after a crowd-pleasing Atlantic City debut in November, chasing win number six with his trademark charisma and knockout power.

Local favorite Julio Sanchez (3-1) aims for 4-1 against tough veteran Bababooey, bringing out the city of Pleasantville to cheer on the one-time football hero and second-generation boxer.

The rest of this loaded club card will be revealed soon—full breakdowns coming in the next Notebook.

Tickets are selling fast. Get yours at Ticketmaster.com and join us Saturday, March 7th at Tropicana Atlantic City. Doors 6:00 PM, first bell 7:00 PM.

Quick Hits from Around the Boardwalk

Just last night (January 23, 2026), Mike Tyson closed out his “Return of the Mike” tour with a packed, high-energy one-man show at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena. The boxing icon delivered raw stories, humor, and reflections on his legendary career to a thrilled crowd—further proof that Atlantic City remains forever linked to Iron Mike’s heavyweight dominance.

Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame 10th Annual Awards & Induction Weekend will be held September 25-27, 2026 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

The Matchroom-promoted Jaron “Boots” Ennis vs. Eimantas Stanionis welterweight unification at Boardwalk Hall last April generated $1.59 million in economic impact for the city, per Visit Atlantic City and the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame.

Jackie Atkins presents the Second Annual East Coast Nationals Women’s Championship February 7-8 at Showboat. Sanctioned by USA Boxing, the two-day all-female amateur tournament aims to grow and promote women’s boxing on the East Coast, offering championship belts, “Best Female Boxer” awards, and valuable experience for boxers, coaches, and officials.

Team Boxing League (formerly Team Combat League) hosted official Season IV national tryouts January 16-18 in the Traymore Ballroom at Bally’s Atlantic City. The three-day event welcomed elite amateur and professional fighters from across the country.

Philadelphia promoter Rodney Rice has a February 21 card at Showboat headlined by Atlantic City’s Francisco “Cisco” Rodriguez.

Christian “Spazz” Figueroa—younger brother of “Mr. Atlantic City” Justin Figueroa—makes his second pro walk February 7 at Hard Rock after a first-round KO in his debut.

Remember When: Tyson Demolishes Holmes – January 22, 1988

On a cold January night in 1988, the Atlantic City Convention Center (billed under Trump Plaza) hosted one of the most significant heavyweight clashes of the era: undefeated Mike Tyson against former champion Larry Holmes.

Tyson, the youngest heavyweight king in history, put his WBA, WBC, and IBF titles on the line against the 38-year-old Holmes, who was attempting a comeback. Billed as “Heavyweight History,” the fight lasted four brutal rounds—Tyson’s speed and power overwhelmed Holmes, dropping him three times in the fourth before the stoppage at 2:55. Over 20,000 fans packed the venue.

Final Bell

This March 7th show marks Boxing Insider Promotions’ 20th professional card since October 2002—and our 7th in Atlantic City since May 2024. We ran six pro events in 2025 (three in AC, three in New York), plus the November PAL charity event that earned us the Excellence Award from the Atlantic City Police Department and AC PAL.

Atlantic City Police Chief Sarkos praised promoter Larry Goldberg for stepping up in ways that make a real difference for local kids.

“Larry Goldberg has shown what true community leadership looks like,” said Chief Sarkos. “His commitment to our PAL boxing program goes far beyond generosity—he invests his time, his energy, and his heart into helping our young people realize their potential. Larry doesn’t just support these kids; he believes in them. And that belief creates opportunities that can change the course of their lives.”

We’re especially proud to carry on the legacy of the late Don Elbaum, who made Tropicana the East Coast boxing hub in the 1980s with a legendary run of 196 fight cards—many on Tuesday nights in front of sellout crowds. We honored him here last year shortly before his passing, and every time Boxing Insider runs at this venue, we’re keeping that tradition alive.

See you ringside.

Let me know if you want any other tweaks or additions!