Local youths get a chance to shine in the ring as Atlantic City boxing returns with community-focused events. Atlantic City’s boxing scene is getting a powerful boost as the Atlantic City Police Athletic League (PAL) teams up with promoter Larry Goldberg to bring amateur bouts into the heart of the casino district. On November 9, 2025, the Tropicana will host Battle of the Beach, a premium amateur boxing event that combines professional-level production with opportunities for local youth to step into the ring and showcase their skills.
For Goldberg, a Margate native and Atlantic City High School alum, the project is more than an event—it’s a mission. “This quickly became my favorite event of the year,” he says. “I wanted to do my part to see the next generation thrive. I saw there was boxing at the PAL, so I got involved.” His passion for the sport and commitment to mentoring young athletes drives every aspect of the event, from organizing fights to donating medals and championship belts.
The Battle of the Beach card will feature 15 amateur bouts, sanctioned by USA Boxing Mid Atlantic, with ticket sales directly benefiting the PAL. Fighters will experience the excitement of stepping into the same environment as professional boxers, training and competing in a venue that elevates the profile of amateur sports in the region. “The kids go into the same room as the pros at the casino. It means so much to them,” Goldberg notes, recalling his own time working at the Tropicana as a teen.
Tickets for the amateur bouts, which start at 1 p.m., are $30 and $40. First-tier ticket holders also receive access to Goldberg’s professional card on November 7, giving them a front-row view of Atlantic City’s rising stars alongside established fighters. Local favorite Justin Figueroa will be among the athletes in the professional lineup, along with Swedish contender Otto Wallin, whose career is quickly gaining international attention. The professional bouts will stream live on DAZN, extending the reach of Atlantic City boxing beyond the casino walls.
Goldberg’s involvement bridges both community and professional levels. Each year, he distributes roughly 100 tickets to PAL members so that aspiring fighters can witness firsthand what dedication and training can achieve. “You can see their faces light up when they find out they are getting tickets,” he says. His efforts highlight the transformative role boxing can play for young people, steering them toward discipline, focus, and personal growth.
Boxing is also a family legacy for Goldberg. At 48, he represents the third generation of a family rooted in Atlantic City business, from his grandfather’s Boardwalk ventures to his father’s linen supply company servicing casinos. Goldberg hopes the PAL’s boxing program will become an enduring community institution. “From a legacy standpoint, this can outlast all of us and be a good thing for the community,” he says. Reflecting on his personal vision, he adds, “I want to be old man Goldberg, doing this even when I’m old.”
For fans and families eager to follow the excitement of Atlantic City boxing and support youth programs, tickets and event information are available through the Atlantic City PAL. Continued coverage of local extreme sports events, boxing updates, and community athletic initiatives can be found at https://explorenewjersey.org/category/extreme-sports/.
The Battle of the Beach represents more than a sporting event—it’s a chance for Atlantic City’s youth to step into the spotlight, learn the discipline of the sport, and be inspired by the vibrant history of boxing in their hometown. Goldberg’s efforts remind the community that local sports can create pathways for growth, opportunity, and lasting impact.
