Ken Condon can find a big-name opponent for Paul Williams on Dec. 5, there will be no fights at Boardwalk Hall this year.
It will mark the first time since 2001 - when the hall was closed for rennovations - that Atlantic City has not hosted a major, big-time fight at its stately arena.
But contrary to some opinions, it does not mean that boxing is dead in Atlantic City. Sure, it has hit a dry spell, but only because of a lack of suitable talent in the sport.
Other than middleweight Kelly Pavlik, who was forced to pull out of his bout against Williams because of a lingering staph infection in his hand, there are few fighters who have the kind of popularity and style to pack the stands on the boardwalk.
Miguel Cotto has those qualities, but his Puerto Rican fan base prefers that he fight in New York. Juan Manuel Lopez, one of boxing's most exciting fighters, also has that potential, but has yet to build up a huge following.
I'd absolutely love to see Manny Pacquiao come to town, but the powers that be in Las Vegas and Los Angeles are not about to let a big payday get out of town.
We may have to wait until Pavlik's hand is healed before boxing comes back to Boardwalk Hall. In the meantime, local fans can enjoy a pair of competitive cards coming to Bally's (Nov. 7) and Trump Taj Mahal (Nov. 20).
Hopefully, 2010 will be a better year for big-time boxing here.
(This article is originally posted at pressofatlanticcity.com)
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