LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The roots of organized fighting run deep through Las Vegas.
“This is the fight capital of the world man. You look at it, for so many years, it’s been the best of the best that have fought here,” Matthew Barry said.
From Muhammad Ali to Evander Holyfield to Floyd Mayweather, some of the largest names in boxing history have entered the ring in the valley. A lot of excitement has built up around the newest venue for those fights to take place — Allegiant Stadium.
Thousands of people, including Matthew Barry, filed into the area Saturday for its first ever boxing event.
“Hopefully we can see a good knockout tonight. That’s what we’re here to come and see,” Barry said.
While Barry didn’t get his wish for a K.O., fans did enjoy a full 12 rounds between Canelo Alvarez and Terence Crawford, the latter becoming the first male undisputed champion in three different divisions.
Regardless of how the fight went, it was a win for Las Vegas tourism leaders.
FOX5 spoke to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority ahead of the fight, the organization speaking highly of an event of this size bringing people from all over the world to Las Vegas.
“It’s going to be a sellout. It is bringing 10s of thousands of people to town, and we’re really excited about that,” said Steve Hill, LVCVA’s CEO. “We want to put an exclamation point on the value that is Las Vegas, the experience that is Las Vegas.”
In the five years since Allegiant Stadium opened, it’s hosted the Super Bowl, international soccer, WrestleMania and now a full card boxing event.
“If you want to be entertained, Vegas is the place to be,” Barry said.
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