Promoter Bob Arum recognizes that promoting a boxing show at the newfangled Sphere will take a lot more effort than required for the typical garden-variety venue.
The Sphere in Las Vegas, the latest glitzy project from billionaire Knicks owner James Dolan, is regarded as one of the most groundbreaking entertainment venues in the world, particularly as it relates to the audio-visual experience. The venue is currently hosting U2.
As far as sports, combat sports, are concerned, the Sphere, given its design, may not be the most appropriate venue.
Arum, the head of Top Rank, indicated in a recent interview that while efforts are currently being made to launch a show there in the future, he admitted there are significant technological hurdles that have to be cleared first.
“Jim Dolan is a very good friend of mine and he wants Top Rank to do the first boxing event at the Sphere,” Arum said on The 3 Knockdown Rule podcast. “That being said, technologically, which [Top Rank COO] Brad Jacobs is working on, it’s not an easy thing to do for various reasons. It’s not like you put a ring up and you get the fighters and you put it on.
“It’s very, very difficult with the technology they have to really make a presentation. They only want to do fabulous things in that building. We are working on it. We hope this year, later on, to have the knowledge to get it done.”
UFC head honcho Dana White has also expressed a strong desire to stage shows there, saying last year that he is “obsessed” with the idea, while taking aim at boxing promoters like Arum.
“I’m just gonna tell you right now, I will put on the greatest live combat sports event that anybody has ever seen at the Sphere on Mexican Independence Day,” White said. “I f------ guarantee it. I’m so in on this it’s not even funny.
“You know I will spend the money to make it right. Boxing’s gonna f--- around with them on the tickets. They don't have the money to do it. None of those bums have the money to do it. I’ll do it.”
Sean Nam is the author of Murder on Federal Street: Tyrone Everett, the Black Mafia, and the Last Golden Age of Philadelphia Boxing.
