Utilita Arena

The Utilita Arena Newcastle is a prominent landmark in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne, England. Beyond its role as a versatile venue for music, entertainment, sports, and business events, it has carved out a significant niche in professional boxing. The arena's history with boxing is rich and varied, showcasing a roster of events featuring some of the most prominent names in the sport.

Nigel Benn's WBC Super Middleweight title defence marked the arena's foray into significant boxing events, setting a precedent for the venue as a stage for high-calibre boxing. The arena further solidified its reputation in the boxing world when, in 1996, Prince Naseem Hamed defended his WBO Super Featherweight title within its confines. This event was a harbinger of the many thrilling boxing nights that would follow.

In 1999, the arena played host to a memorable night where Joe Calzaghe defended his WBO Super Middleweight title and Richie Woodhall his WBC Super Middleweight title, showcasing the venue's ability to host events of significant stature. The early 2000s saw the arena continue to build its boxing legacy, with notable fighters such as Audley Harrison in 2001 and again Joe Calzaghe in 2002 defending his WBO title. Ricky Hatton headlined the card, defending his WBU Light Welterweight title.

By 2009, the arena was the site of Amir Khan defending his WBA Light Welterweight title in a highly anticipated Sky Box Office Pay Per View event. The venue's boxing credentials were further enhanced in 2014 when Stuart Hall twice defended his IBF Bantamweight title at the arena, although he lost his title in the second bout to Paul Butler. In 2015, the stadium hosted future heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, headlining a live Sky Sports event, further underlining the venue's significance in the boxing world.

The Utilita Arena Newcastle, through its association with these significant boxing events, has provided a platform for showcasing boxing talent and contributed to the sport's popularity in the region. It's a testament to the arena's versatility and ability to host various events, from sports to entertainment. The legacy of boxing at the Utilita Arena Newcastle is a vivid chapter in its history, highlighting the arena's role in bringing top-tier sporting events to the North East of England, making it a beloved landmark for boxing fans and a pivotal venue in the careers of numerous boxers.