Gila River Arena

The Gila River Arena in Glendale, Arizona, opened its doors on December 26, 2003, as a multi-purpose venue primarily designed for ice hockey. While not traditionally known as a boxing mecca, this 18,300-seat arena has gradually carved out its place in the sport's landscape, hosting several notable fights.

Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix, may not have the storied boxing history of cities like New York or Las Vegas, but it has enthusiastically embraced the sweet science. The Gila River Arena has hosted a handful of significant boxing events, including a WBC super featherweight title fight between Francisco Vargas and Miguel Berchelt in January 2017. This bout, which saw Berchelt claim the title via an 11th-round TKO, highlighted the arena's potential as a boxing venue.

While the Gila River Arena may not have the same boxing pedigree as Madison Square Garden or the MGM Grand, it has become an essential stop for fighters looking to make their mark in the Southwest. The venue's modern amenities and intimate atmosphere have made it popular among fans and promoters. Notable boxers graced its ring include Jose Benavidez Jr. and Diego De La Hoya, who have strong ties to the Arizona boxing scene.

Arizona's boxing legacy extends beyond Glendale, with Phoenix being the birthplace of several world-class fighters. The most famous is Michael Carbajal, a five-time world champion in the light and junior flyweight divisions. Carbajal, known as "Little Hands of Stone," brought significant attention to Arizona boxing in the 1990s. Another Phoenix native, Jesus Ramos, has recently been making waves in the super lightweight division, carrying on the state's proud boxing tradition.

The Gila River Arena continues evolving as a boxing venue, attracting up-and-coming local talent and established stars. Its role in the Arizona boxing scene is growing, providing a platform for fighters to showcase their skills and for fans to experience the thrill of live boxing. As the sport continues to flourish in the Southwest, the Gila River Arena stands ready to host the next generation of boxing's greatest moments.