LoanDepot Park

LoanDepot Park, formerly Marlins Park, opened on April 4, 2012, in the Little Havana neighbourhood of Miami, Florida. While primarily known as a baseball stadium, this state-of-the-art facility has occasionally hosted boxing events, adding a unique chapter to Miami's rich boxing history.

The venue's retractable roof and air conditioning system provide a comfortable environment for spectators, regardless of Miami's often sweltering heat and humidity. This climate-controlled setting has made LoanDepot Park an attractive option for promoters looking to stage boxing events in South Florida. Although not as storied in boxing lore as Madison Square Garden, the park has begun carving out its niche.

Miami itself has a long and illustrious boxing tradition. The city has been home to numerous legendary fights, including the iconic Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston rematch in 1965, which took place at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This bout, famous for Ali's "phantom punch," remains one of the most controversial and talked-about fights in boxing history.

LoanDepot Park has yet to host a fight of that magnitude, but it has seen its share of boxing action. In February 2021, the venue hosted a significant card featuring Canelo Alvarez defending his super middleweight titles against Avni Yildirim. This event marked a new era for boxing at the park, showcasing its potential as a premier boxing destination in Miami.

The city of Miami has produced several notable boxers over the years. Perhaps the most famous is Roberto Durán, the Panamanian-born fighter who made Miami his home and training base for much of his career. Other notable Miami-born or based fighters include heavyweight contender Luis Ortiz and former welterweight champion Andre Berto.

As LoanDepot Park continues to evolve as a multi-purpose venue, it is poised to potentially host more significant boxing events. With Miami's passionate boxing fanbase and the city's reputation as a fight town, the park could become an increasingly important fixture in the boxing world, adding to the rich tapestry of Miami's boxing heritage.