Moore vs. Valdes: One of the First Boxing Matches Funded by a Casino – UrbanMatter

Over the years, Las Vegas has worn a number of faces. What began as a tiny settlement based around a passing railroad would become a base for Hoover Dam workers during the inter-war years. This massive construction project would ultimately lead to the issuance of the first gambling license to the Northern Club, as bored workers sought entertainment after gruelling days in the desert sun.

Via nuclear testing, we end up in modern times. However, a tale of Vegas history wouldnt be complete without mentioning boxing. Sin City is curiously bereft of sports franchises, with just three major professional teams within its limits, namely, Las Vegas Raiders, Vegas Golden Knights, and Las Vegas Aces, all of which emerged after 2018. Boxing has been part of the citys heritage since the mid-fifties.

Its difficult to separate boxing from local casinos but the very first bout that involved a casino didnt actually take place inside one. The second meeting of Archie Moore vs. Nino Valdes on May 2nd, 1955, was held on a baseball field in Downtown Las Vegas. Cashman Field, now a soccer stadium for Las Vegas Lights, is arguably where boxings partnership with the casino industry began.

It happened almost by accident. Boxing was just the latest experiment held by a town desperate to create something that would bring the punters in. With $100,000 provided by local casino bosses, a figure that equates to about $1.1m today, theres a sense that somebody wanted boxing to become Vegas sweetheart. Moore vs. Valdes wasnt particularly popular in the end but it wouldnt be the last fight held in the city.

Of course, in hindsight, casinos always seemed destined to double as hubs for gaming and shows of all types. In the UK, the largest mixed entertainment venue in the country The Hippodrome Casino in Londons West End is one of these combined establishments, putting on theatre performances, poker events, and even the stage version of Magic Mike, which it has the exclusive rights for.

This kind of expansion mirrors that of Las Vegas venues. The concept of a residency for performing artists like Adele and Usher goes back decades, for example. Casinos are also likely to fold online entertainment into their business model, too. The Hippodrome Casino has an expansive online casino that incorporates slots, roulette, and live games, featuring a human dealer on a webcam.

Archie Moore beat Nuno Valdes on points in what was described as a fight for the World Heavyweight Championship of Nevada by promoter Jack Kearns. It was pitched as an event held by Happy Vics Bar, an area that now hosts the 1st Street Stage, in addition to a number of casinos, but its hard to escape the casinos influence over the bout. Happy Vics promised giant jackpots galore for visitors on that particular day.

Today, Vegas is perhaps better known for big money fights such as the $250m contest between Mayweather vs Pacquiao. Theres a lot of history behind Las Vegas boxing matches for those who are willing to go hunting, though.

Featured Image Source: Pexels.

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Moore vs. Valdes: One of the First Boxing Matches Funded by a Casino - UrbanMatter