The Staples Center

The Staples Center, Los Angeles: A Modern Arena's Tryst With Boxing

Since its opening on October 17, 1999, the Staples Center in Los Angeles has become a beacon for major sports events, including some of the most memorable boxing matches of the modern era. This article explores the venue's significant role in boxing history and highlights the top fights that have taken place under its roof.

The Rise of a Boxing Venue

The Staples Center, initially built as a home for the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, soon expanded its horizons to host major boxing events. Its state-of-the-art facilities and seating capacity of up to 21,000 made it an ideal location for high-profile boxing bouts.

Top Boxing Matches at the Staples Center

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Shane Mosley (June 17, 2000): This highly anticipated bout drew nearly 19,000 fans, with Mosley defeating De La Hoya in a thrilling split decision.

Roy Jones Jr. vs. Julio Gonzalez (July 28, 2001): Jones Jr. defended his light heavyweight titles in front of 17,481 spectators, showcasing his dominance in the division.

Lennox Lewis vs. Vitali Klitschko (June 21, 2003): A heavyweight classic, Lewis retained his titles after a fierce battle that ended due to Klitschko's injury.

Erik Morales vs. Guty Espadas (October 4, 2003): Morales' victory in this featherweight bout was a testament to his skill and tenacity in the ring.

Vitali Klitschko vs. Corrie Sanders (April 24, 2004): Klitschko avenged his brother Wladimir's defeat by knocking out Sanders to claim the WBC heavyweight title.

Antonio Tarver vs. Glen Johnson (December 18, 2004): A light heavyweight showdown, Tarver won a closely contested battle against Johnson.

Bernard Hopkins vs. Howard Eastman (February 19, 2005): Hopkins successfully defended his middleweight titles against Eastman, showcasing his legendary boxing skills.

Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Ivan Robinson (May 28, 2005): Chavez's victory in this bout added another chapter to his illustrious career.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Hector Velazquez (September 10, 2005): Pacquiao's win over Velazquez was a stepping stone in his journey to becoming a boxing superstar.

Fernando Vargas vs. Ricardo Mayorga (November 23, 2007): A grudge match that lived up to the hype, with Vargas seeking redemption against Mayorga.

Antonio Margarito vs. Shane Mosley (January 24, 2009): Mosley's surprising win over Margarito was a highlight of his late-career resurgence.

Victor Ortiz vs. Marcos Maidana (June 27, 2009): This action-packed bout saw Maidana emerging victorious in a dramatic slugfest.

Vitali Klitschko vs. Chris Arreola (September 26, 2009): Klitschko's dominance in the heavyweight division was on full display as he defeated Arreola.

Israel Vazquez vs. Rafael Marquez (May 22, 2010): The fourth fight in their epic series, Marquez won by knockout in a classic super bantamweight clash.

Shane Mosley vs. Sergio Mora (September 18, 2010): A tactical battle that ended in a controversial draw, showcasing Mosley's enduring skill at an advanced age.