Fights in the US

[Mimmy]

ok, ive never been to the states to see a fight. Before I die I would love to go to MSG or Vegas to see a fight. Regardless who is fighting how do you go about this?

For those who have been to Vegas or MSG how do you buy tickets flights etc.

[brian13]

fights in MSG arena are becoming more and more rare. I was in MSG for an Ice hockey game and it is unbelievable arena though. The last fight in the arena I think was Cotto / Margarito II. That was in late 2011 and there is none planned yet unless Cotto fights someone big.

[Mimmy]

I remember back in the 80's loads of fights in Vegas, in those car parks, Mcguigan, Herol Graham etc. you know to be honest i'd love to go to America just to see a big fight. Nothing more just a bloody good night action then home

[brian13]

If you want a big fight, you are better off going to Vegas. Floyd or Manny refuse to fight in MSG because of the tax issues in New York. Golden Boy has the deal with the Barclays center also. Its a shame that MSG is getting used less and less.

[Dirk Kelly]

ok, ive never been to the states to see a fight. Before I die I would love to go to MSG or Vegas to see a fight. Regardless who is fighting how do you go about this?

For those who have been to Vegas or MSG how do you buy tickets flights etc.

Various ways:

Book everything yourself via a reputable airline and the hotel of your choice direct. Or book it all together via somewhere like Expedia or Dialaflight. Book it as you would your normal holiday.

For tickets you have choices such as paying off a ticketing website such as Ticketmaster, buy from the box office on the day (did this for Cotto vs. Clottey) hold your nerve and get from a tout as there are always plenty available (friend did this for ODLH vs. PBF ended up with better seats than us for a fraction less but had to sit next to the Osbornes).

Or alternatively book a package deal through Shirow on here but not sure if he's still doing it or with Thomas Cook Boxing. We did this for our first trip to Vegas to see ODLH vs. PBF and it was great to have it all done for us so we good concentrate on enjoying ourselves. Can't recommend Shirow enough.

[mfc_se15]

Went MSG theatre. Not the same obviously but a great experience going to watch boxing abroad anyway - that was Martinez v Macklin. Had a mate living out there and knew it was likely that there would be a fight in New York over the St Paddys Day weekend. Would love to have gone to the MSG proper for a fight but as above there don't seem to be many there now.

Will one day go to Vegas for a big fight I'm convinced of it but will have to wait a few years for my wages to catch up with my plans!!!

[David McAllister]

I've been to see both Pacman vs Mosley and Mayweather vs Cotto. Both experiences were unbelievable!!

My advice to anybody would be to stay at the hotel where the fight is being held, for the Pacman fight we stayed at Circus Circus because we didn't know any better and although it was a bit cheaper there wasn't the same buzz about the boxing there.

Last year when I went I stayed at the MGM Grand and met Roger Mayweather in the casino a couple of days before the fight, we also had a good chat with James Kirkland. But the buzz was intense at the hotel. There was a boxing ring at the foyer of the hotel and everybody at the hotel talked about it. There was also Mayweather vs Cotto chips being used at the casino, even the room keycards had the fight poster on them.

It was only another £100 per person to stay at the MGM Grand sot it was worth it.

I always use the same place for tickets it's a resale site but they are reasonable and you can pick the seats you want and can usually accommodate groups of more than 2 and guarantee that you sit together.

If you love boxing then a trip to Vegas is a must at least once in your life!!

[youngrell]

I went to see Calzaghe v Hopkins in Vegas and Calzaghe v Jones in NY.

I booked both myself through the airline and a general hotel website like hotels.com or something, just searched around for something suitable but there's plenty of choice. And got tickets from a ticket seller in Cardiff. It's quite easy to do really.

My advice would be head to Vegas. While I prefer NY as a destination and the MSG as an arena, Vegas is by far the best place for the fight build up. As David said above the hosting casino really gets you up for the fight all week and there's a huge buzz about the place, they really know how to hype it up.

In NY you could get no pre-fight build up, no info or anything from MSG and we weren't even allowed in for the weigh-in, it was pretty pointless being there a few days before the fight (other than it being an awesome city of course). We did visit Gleasons while there though which was cool.

Go to Vegas, man.

[youngrell]

I'd also like to add, you pay about the same for a really shitty hotel in NY as you do for complete luxury in Vegas

[orbtastic]

I went to Hamed/McCullough way back when, it was at the AC convention centre, I think. Wouldn't really recommend the venue or the city as such, but it was alright as a whole.

[mfc_se15]

I went to see Calzaghe v Hopkins in Vegas and Calzaghe v Jones in NY.

I booked both myself through the airline and a general hotel website like hotels.com or something, just searched around for something suitable but there's plenty of choice. And got tickets from a ticket seller in Cardiff. It's quite easy to do really.

My advice would be head to Vegas. While I prefer NY as a destination and the MSG as an arena, Vegas is by far the best place for the fight build up. As David said above the hosting casino really gets you up for the fight all week and there's a huge buzz about the place, they really know how to hype it up.

In NY you could get no pre-fight build up, no info or anything from MSG and we weren't even allowed in for the weigh-in, it was pretty pointless being there a few days before the fight (other than it being an awesome city of course). We did visit Gleasons while there though which was cool.

Go to Vegas, man.

Good point actually just remembered we weren't allowed in for the weigh in even though it was a much smaller fight than the one you went to. Thought we would get in no problem, turned up security wouldn't let you in said that they weren't allowed to due to problems in the past - whether true or just to get rid I don't know. You basically had to know one of the boxers in order to get a wrist band and get in - which wasn't going to happen for us. Saw both boxers and a few others turn up and walk through but that was it.

Really don't think Vegas as a destination is for me which is why I will only go when I can guarantee seeing some boxing. But seeing the comments above sounds like I won't be disappointed if I tie it in with a decent fight.

[Poncey]

ok, ive never been to the states to see a fight. Before I die I would love to go to MSG or Vegas to see a fight. Regardless who is fighting how do you go about this?

For those who have been to Vegas or MSG how do you buy tickets flights etc.

Various ways:

Book everything yourself via a reputable airline and the hotel of your choice direct. Or book it all together via somewhere like Expedia or Dialaflight. Book it as you would your normal holiday.

For tickets you have choices such as paying off a ticketing website such as Ticketmaster, buy from the box office on the day (did this for Cotto vs. Clottey) hold your nerve and get from a tout as there are always plenty available (friend did this for ODLH vs. PBF ended up with better seats than us for a fraction less but had to sit next to the Osbornes).

Or alternatively book a package deal through Shirow on here but not sure if he's still doing it or with Thomas Cook Boxing. We did this for our first trip to Vegas to see ODLH vs. PBF and it was great to have it all done for us so we good concentrate on enjoying ourselves. Can't recommend Shirow enough.

I also used Shirow for PBF v Hatton. I used WillCall for Calzaghe v Jones Jr.

[The Law]

Shirow is definitely a reliable source. I can vouch for him.

[pyenest77]

Something I have long fancied myself. Not bothered who was on the bill to be honest. Just want the experience.

[youngrell]

And sometimes it pays to risk going out without a ticket and getting one there, or getting a cheapish one if the fight is unlikely to sell out. For Calzaghe v Hopkins I had $150 tickets and as it hadn't sold out they moved the furthest seats back, forward, therefor I ended up with a $750 seat

[Shirow]

Thank you kindly for the support.

I've almost completely stopped doing big fight trips to the US apart from favours here & there due to the lack of true superfights & UK boxers fighting over there. I see Mayweather v Canelo as a shut out so I've been surprised to have been asked to see what I can do for a few people. Pm me if you want me to send you details.

[Looking On]

My concern about going to fights abroad is ive so often heard of mates booking and the fights falling through , ive been to see froch fight in denmark and was worried that was going to get cancelled , Mate of mine went out to see Khan in america last year and the fight got cancelled , ok you still get a little holiday but it would obviously put a dampner on things

[Dirk Kelly]

Thank you kindly for the support.

I've almost completely stopped doing big fight trips to the US apart from favours here & there due to the lack of true superfights & UK boxers fighting over there. I see Mayweather v Canelo as a shut out so I've been surprised to have been asked to see what I can do for a few people. Pm me if you want me to send you details.

Cheers fella, for me its any excuse to go to Vegas. If I told the Mrs I was thinking of going on a lads trip I would get told where to go or the finanical penalties would be too extreme but when I package it up as a PBF fight, could be fight of the year\decade\century\universe then she feels guilty and gives me her blessing to go. Its all about the positive reframe!!

[mickey1975]

Can I have details, Shirow?