For the first time in nearly 70 years, boxing is making a comeback at Boston’s iconic Fenway Park.
The event, featuring 11 bouts, is the result of efforts by twin brothers and dedicated public schoolteachers from Watertown, who aspire to rejuvenate boxing in a city known for producing some of the sport’s greatest talents.
This event also represents a return to the rich history of the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball, which was historically a venue for not only Red Sox games but also various sports and political events.
“Most people’s experiences there are solely related to baseball,” noted Richard Johnson, a Fenway expert and curator at The Sports Museum in Boston. “However, this year, attendees can witness an event reminiscent of what their grandparents experienced.”
Promoters Mark and Matt Nolan hope that “Fight Night at Fenway,” set for Saturday, will serve as both a nostalgic tribute and a forward-looking vision for the future of boxing in the city.
Having obtained their license to organize fights last year, the Nolans see this event as achieving their goal of bringing boxing back to Boston. “For us, it’s not just a personal dream, but a dream shared by every aspiring boxer,” Matt Nolan expressed. “The idea that a young fighter can strive to compete at Fenway Park is akin to hitting the lottery.”
A Rich Legacy
Boston has a significant and storied past in American boxing, as highlighted by Johnson, author of “Field of Our Fathers, An Illustrated History of Fenway Park.” Notably, it was home to John L. Sullivan, known as “Boston’s Strong Boy” and regarded as America’s first sports superstar, akin to Muhammad Ali in his era.
Other notable figures in Boston’s boxing scene include the legendary Marvin Hagler and Rocky Marciano from nearby Brockton. “The Boston Bomber,” Tony DeMarco, was the last fighter to compete at Fenway, winning in 1956.
Following its construction, Fenway Park was the premier outdoor venue in Boston, hosting diverse events, including boxing since 1920. After new ownership in 2002, it embraced various activities, including concerts and sports like hockey and curling.
A Unique Opportunity
According to Mark Nolan, the absence of boxing at Fenway for nearly 70 years wasn’t for lack of trying; many promoters struggled to gain approval from the ballpark’s management.
The Nolans, who also own a boxing gym and promote inclusivity by allowing everyone to train regardless of their financial situation, managed to resonate with the Fenway Sports Group through their unique appeal.
Having developed a love for boxing as children by accompanying their father to the gym, the brothers shifted from coaching amateurs to professionals. They were disheartened by the unbalanced matchups and unfair practices they observed in the sport.
The Nolans designed a simple yet effective business model focused on selecting great venues, fairly compensating fighters, and exclusively hosting matches in Boston. They prioritize providing fans with competitive fights rather than simply selling fighters.
“Every fight is thoughtfully matched,” stated Thomas “The Kid” O’Toole, a fighter who has lived in Boston for two years. He highlighted that audiences prefer competitive bouts over one-sided knockouts. O’Toole looks forward to competing at Fenway, calling it the “biggest test” of his career.
Local fighter Lexi “Lil Savage” Bolduc is preparing for her fourth professional bout, facing Sarah Couillard in a rematch after their previous contest ended in a majority draw. Bolduc acknowledged the pressure of fighting in such a historic venue but views it as a tremendous opportunity. “Standing on the ground of some of the greatest athletes is truly remarkable,” she reflected.
