Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Richmond VA Wants to Do Boxing Business!

This story is technically a little out of our territory, but if all goes according to plan, this development could help many Beltway Boxers and promoters expand their territories.

First, a little historical significance: The date was February 24, 1996 and the place was the Richmond Coliseum in Richmond, VA. On that date, there was a Don King-promoted and Showtime-televised boxing card in which former IBF Junior Middleweight champion Vincent Pettway challenged currently IBF and WBC Junior Middleweight titleholder (and future hall of famer) Terry Norris. Norris won by eighth-round TKO.

In all, the card featured 10 former world champions including Orlin Norris, Oleg Maskaev, Oliver McCall, Tim Austin and Christy Martin. The Virginia Union Marching Band played. Yes, prices were significantly reduced to get people in the building, but many considered it a successful night of boxing.

The card was also the last one to be held at the Richmond Coliseum. In fact, according to BoxRec.com, there has not been a boxing card held in the city of Richmond since 1998. There have been complaints from potential promoters that the cost of the Coliseum, when combined with commission fees, have made the asking price just too high. Richmond lost an opportunity to host a UFC card when promoters realized how much they would have to pay.

BATB has learned that the Richmond Coliseum has heard the comments of the promoters and has responded. While sources did not say what the asking price would be, they did say that the price to rent the building has been reduced by more than $10,000. That's a substantial reduction to say the least. It looks like Richmond wants to be a player in both the boxing and mixed martial arts world and this looks like a significant first step.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

That really is good news. I've done a few shows in the Greater Richmond area but never within the confines of the city limits. It would still be a significant amount of money though to rent the facility and pay for all other associated costs. Perhaps a televised card could draw 3,000 or more people which is what it would take to make a little bit of money in a facility like this.

Just curious Digital, who did you hear this from? Was it from the Boxing Commission or perhaps the Coliseum itself.

Looking forward to this Saturday night in Baltimore where our guys are in tough fights, but they are ready!

Thanks,

Joe Hensley

Anonymous said...

one whole comment.
Boy ,virginia use to be ho spot
around the washington area for boxing.What happened to
Scott Farmer , Joe Hensley,and the rest?

Anonymous said...

Hensley's got his boys booked Saturday nite in big fites and Farmer's kid just got caught with a shot and that happens this is boxing.