Reno Boxing

Reno boxing began in 1910 when it became the site of an historic and controversial boxing event billed "The Fight of the Century". Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion and world heavyweight champion James Jeffries lured out of retirement were scheduled to fight in San Francisco, California on July 4, 1910.

Anti-boxing sentiments were high at the time and California's governor fearing protests unexpectedly decided that the state's law only permitted boxing exhibitions not real fights. Knowing that there was a lot of money to be made the mayor of Reno, Nevada promised that a 20,000 seat stadium could be built immediately in Reno and that there would be no anti-boxing protests and the town of Reno could handle the large influx of tourists.

Fight Location Date Boxing Tickets
Reno Extreme Fights III
Gonzales vs Boone
Mayfield vs Davis
Grand Sierra Resort,
Reno, NV
March 19, 2010
Friday 8:00 PM
Reno Extreme Fights Tickets
King of the Cage Silver Legacy,
Reno, NV
March 26, 2010
Friday 7:00 PM
King of the Cage Tickets
Ultimate Reno Combat 11 Grand Sierra Resort,
Reno, NV
April 16, 2010
Friday 8:00 PM
Ultimate Reno Combat Tickets
Let's Get It On Promotions Boxing & MMA Grand Sierra Resort,
Reno, NV
May 22, 2010
Saturday
 
Jack Johnson vs Jim Jeffries Centennial Anniversary Reno Events Center,
Reno, NV
July 3, 2010
Saturday
 

Note: Reno boxing schedule includes tentatively scheduled fights so schedule is subject to change.

Reno Boxing History

The Johnson-Jeffries fight was moved to Reno taking place as scheduled on Monday, July 4, 1910 bringing more than 30,000 people to the town. Despite the temperature being over 100° the arena was packed, producing a live gate of over $270,000 and a purse of $121,000.

Nevada Historical Marker 220The exact location of the arena where the fight took place over time became unknown until 1979 when historians determined it to be at the southwest corner of East 4th & Toano Streets in Reno and placed Nevada Historical Marker 220. Reportedly it was the first time in history that a venue was built specifically for one boxing event.

The Reno Rematch

The Reno RematchAlthough it was not in the top 35 largest boxing gates in Nevada, Livingstone Bramble vs Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini gate was record setting for Reno, the Biggest Little City in the World.

On Saturday, February 16, 1985 at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno, Nevada, 11,758 boxing fans attended The Reno Rematch headlining Livingstone Bramble vs Ray Mancini in a WBA lightweight title fight producing a live boxing gate of $750,000.