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Foxwoods Hits Jackpot With Ruiz-Holyfield
CONNECTICUT – Dec. 13, 2001 –As reported by the Boston Globe: “Fifteen years ago, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe created a harmless bingo parlor within its 'much wooded land.' The bingo parlor soon morphed into Foxwoods, one of the world's largest casinos, and now it is about to emerge from the trees of Connecticut into center stage of the boxing world.
”When John Ruiz defends his World Boxing Association heavyweight title against Evander Holyfield Saturday night, it will mark the biggest boxing event in the casino's history.
”…The Ruiz-Holyfield bout is being regarded as something less than top-rank status. Promoter Don King had hoped to cash in on the People's Republic of China's emerging capitalist instincts, and only salvaged the card by convincing Ruiz to take a pay cut. Yet, the fact that Home Box Office is investing $5 million and the purse is nearly $6 million indicates how far Foxwoods has evolved in the fight game.
”Foxwoods provided a launching pad for Ray Oliveira, a comebacking Vinnie Pazienza, and now a homecoming for Ruiz. The casino became involved with the US Amateur Boxing Federation, playing host to US vs. Cuba and US vs. The World competitions, and last year's Olympic box-offs. Foxwoods recently donated $2 million to the federation and has started a Native American Amateur Boxing Development program.
”But the sporting spotlight does not shine on amateur and grassroots projects. Most of Foxwoods's 60-plus promotions have been little better than glorified club fights. Stepping in with the heavyweights means upping the ante.
”…Indeed, the presence of the Grand Pequot Tower hotel helped clinch this deal for Foxwoods. Neighboring Mohegan Sun, despite having a larger arena, was not considered because of the absence of a hotel, considered essential for a heavyweight title fight.
”…Foxwoods has so far been a seedling among the boxing sequoias. The showcase room is still the Bingo Hall, which has been expanded to 4,000 seats and has hosted superstars such as Luciano Pavarotti…”
”When John Ruiz defends his World Boxing Association heavyweight title against Evander Holyfield Saturday night, it will mark the biggest boxing event in the casino's history.
”…The Ruiz-Holyfield bout is being regarded as something less than top-rank status. Promoter Don King had hoped to cash in on the People's Republic of China's emerging capitalist instincts, and only salvaged the card by convincing Ruiz to take a pay cut. Yet, the fact that Home Box Office is investing $5 million and the purse is nearly $6 million indicates how far Foxwoods has evolved in the fight game.
”Foxwoods provided a launching pad for Ray Oliveira, a comebacking Vinnie Pazienza, and now a homecoming for Ruiz. The casino became involved with the US Amateur Boxing Federation, playing host to US vs. Cuba and US vs. The World competitions, and last year's Olympic box-offs. Foxwoods recently donated $2 million to the federation and has started a Native American Amateur Boxing Development program.
”But the sporting spotlight does not shine on amateur and grassroots projects. Most of Foxwoods's 60-plus promotions have been little better than glorified club fights. Stepping in with the heavyweights means upping the ante.
”…Indeed, the presence of the Grand Pequot Tower hotel helped clinch this deal for Foxwoods. Neighboring Mohegan Sun, despite having a larger arena, was not considered because of the absence of a hotel, considered essential for a heavyweight title fight.
”…Foxwoods has so far been a seedling among the boxing sequoias. The showcase room is still the Bingo Hall, which has been expanded to 4,000 seats and has hosted superstars such as Luciano Pavarotti…”