By DAVID WEINBERG, Staff Writer pressofAtlanticCity.com | 0 comments
ATLANTIC CITY - Mike Tyson will return this summer to the scene of his biggest victories.
The former heavyweight champion is among the boxers, trainers, managers, promoters and officials who are scheduled to be honored during the All Star Boxing Legends Gala on June 2 at Resorts Casino Hotel.
Atlantic City prosecutor Jonathan Diego, chairman of the event's committee, said Monday at City Hall that he hopes to draw 100 boxing personalities to the event, which will honor the history of boxing in Atlantic City as well as the late Joe Frazier.
"We want to have as many people as we can that helped make Atlantic City one of the boxing meccas in the United States," Diego said. "But we also want to honor the legacy of Joe Frazier and the other great champions who passed away too early."
Diego had received commitments from at least 35 people as of Monday, including Tyson. Now 45 and living in Henderson, Nev., Tyson retired in 2005 with a record of 50-6 with 44 knockouts. He fought 13 times in Atlantic City and registered 13 knockouts/TKOs.
He was the headliner in some of the top fights in Atlantic City's boxing history. He successfully defended his unified heavyweight championship three times at Boardwalk Hall from 1987-89 with spectacular victories over Tyrell Biggs, Larry Holmes, Michael Spinks and Carl Williams.
Tyson's first-round knockout over Spinks on June 27, 1988 was witnessed by a Boardwalk Hall-record crowd of 21,785. Spinks, who retired immediately after the fight, also is scheduled to attend the gala.
Others who have confirmed their attendance include Hall of Fame trainer Lou Duva, former New Jersey Athletic Control Board commissioner Larry Hazzard, legendary fighter Thomas Hearns, former cruiserweight champion Dwight Muhammad Qawi, Bridgeton light-heavyweight contender Richie Kates and former WBA heavyweight champion Bruce Seldon of Atlantic City.
Vineland promoter Diane Lee Fischer also will put on a show at Tropicana Casino and Resort on June 1 that could feature an intriguing exhibition bout.
"I wanted (Atlantic City) Mayor (Lorenzo) Langford to fight (Governor) Chris Christie," Fischer said. "I know they're in different weight classes, but I'll figure something out."
Fischer said she has yet to hear from Gov. Christie, but Mayor Langford quickly accepted the challenge Monday.
"I'm ready," he shouted while unbuttoning his suit jacket.
The event is part of the inaugural Atlantic City Multi-Cultural Heritage Festival that will be held at various venues in town on June 1-3.
Tickets to the Boxing Legends Gala, which is a black-tie affair, are $100. They will be available starting May 1 and can be purchased by contacting the mayor's office.
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