Boxing in Reno 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.
Reno Boxing Schedule
| Fight | Location | Date | Boxing Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reno Boxing TBA | Reno, Nevada | TBA | TBA |
Reno Boxing Venues
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.
The 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.
Jack Johnson vs James Jeffries
Jeffries' corner throws in the towel in round 15 out of 45 scheduled rounds. (In 1913 Reno conducted its first boxing match under the new 10-round law.)
The Reno Rematch
Although 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.