Despite most of the casinos closing down in 2016 there seems to be a new upswing in boxing in New Jersey. There are three shows scheduled in January.

Sho-Box will broadcast the January 20th show at Bally’s Event Center in Atlantic City with GH3 Promotions bringing in a very strong card with eleven bouts scheduled at this time.

On January 21st Rene Aiken comes back to Trenton, New Jersey headlining with former world champion Zab “Super” Judah on top of a twelve bout card. Once again she will run at the Sun National Bank Center.

On January 28th Debbie Lamanna’s Rising Star Promotions will be at the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Thomas “Cornflake” Lamanna will be in the main event fighting for the vacant USBA super welterweight title. It will be a ten bout card featuring the return of Chuck “The Professor” Mussachio.

New Jersey Boxing Commissioner and IBHOF inductee Larry Hazzard had the following to say: Our numbers in 2016 would have been much better if it were not for 8-9 cancellations and the closing of the Taj Mahal Hotel and Casino where 2-3 major events were scheduled. Unfortunately, major boxing and its growth in the state of New Jersey through the 1980’s and 90’s was dependent a great deal on the financial support of the casino industry in Atlantic City. For years Promoters were able to obtain site fees and other amenities from the casinos to assist with the production of events. That cooperative relationship no longer exists to the extent it once did.

It’s very encouraging to see that the first Sho-Box event for 2017 is scheduled for Bally’s Hotel/Casino in Atlantic City. Hopefully it’s an indication that Ken Condon and Caesars are getting back to supporting events at that property that has been the site of some exciting events over the years. We remain optimistic that 2017 is going to be the turnaround year in New Jersey.

Several events are also scheduled for the Sun Bank Arena in Trenton.