For decades, boxing has captivated audiences, a sport of raw skill, intense drama, and unforgettable moments. Yet, as the world evolves, so too must the spectacle of live events. Enter iVisit Boxing, a pioneering force not merely staging fights, but orchestrating grand, immersive experiences designed to “take boxing back to the community.” This isn`t just about a punch and a knockout; it`s about transforming urban landscapes into vibrant arenas, fostering an unparalleled fusion of sport, entertainment, and genuine community spirit.
A Legacy of Live Events, Reimagined for the Ring
iVisit Boxing operates under the expansive umbrella of iVisit Media, a global marketing and live events juggernaut boasting a quarter-century track record. With headquarters in London and offices spanning New York and Los Angeles, their operational reach is as impressive as their ambition. While the iVisit name might be new to some fight aficionados, their work is anything but. They are the architects behind some of recent boxing’s most monumental events, quietly pulling the strings that brought unparalleled spectacles to life.
Consider the seismic “Ring Of Fire,” the inaugural clash between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury in Riyadh. Or the star-studded Los Angeles card featuring Terence Crawford vs. Israel Madrimov, which wasn`t content with just a six-fight lineup but also treated fans to a live Eminem concert. London`s Wembley Stadium, a hallowed ground of British sport, saw nearly 100,000 fans witness Daniel Dubois` stunning upset of Anthony Joshua, complemented by an electric undercard and a performance by Liam Gallagher. These events weren`t just fights; they were meticulously crafted festivals designed to transcend the traditional boxing match.
The Audacious Experiment: Boxing in Times Square
Perhaps the most audacious demonstration of iVisit’s vision occurred this past May 2nd, when a boxing ring appeared, almost magically, in the bustling heart of New York’s Times Square. Here, titans like Ryan Garcia, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez traded blows amidst the dazzling neon glow – a spectacle that, a few years prior, would have seemed utterly impossible. Ed Pereira, CEO of iVisit Boxing, recounts the logistical Everest:
“We delivered against all odds. I had to get permits from 43 agencies. I realised it was getting serious when I was talking to Homeland Security, the NYPD [New York Police Department], FDNY [Fire Department of New York].”
Securing approval from nearly four dozen different entities for a combat sports event in one of the world`s busiest public spaces is less a project, and more an exercise in extreme diplomatic negotiation. It speaks volumes of iVisit`s operational prowess and sheer determination. This wasn`t merely a client project; it was a proving ground that emboldened iVisit to push the boundaries even further.
Forging Their Own Path: The Battle Of The Bay and Beyond
Having honed their capabilities as a premier event execution partner, iVisit is now charting its own course, conceptualizing and initiating grand spectacles they invite promoters to join. The immediate horizon includes “Battle Of The Bay,” an open-air boxing extravaganza slated for San Francisco that aims not just to entertain, but to etch itself into the annals of sporting history by breaking the all-time live attendance record for a boxing match.
With an ambitious target of 150,000 attendees at the Civic Center Plaza, iVisit aims to surpass the 1941 record set in Milwaukee. Pereira’s vision for San Francisco is expansive:
- A ring positioned front and center before City Hall, offering stunning visuals.
- Live music and a dedicated fan engagement village.
- A diverse and fantastic food offering.
- Multiple themed zones, evoking a “Glastonbury vibe.”
- Crucially, tickets designed to be genuinely affordable, ensuring broad community access.
This commitment to accessibility was underscored by the recent official unveiling of iVisit Boxing in Cardiff, featuring a free Family Day where unified welterweight champion Lauren Price engaged directly with fans, signing autographs and posing for photos. It’s a tangible demonstration of their “access for all” philosophy.
From Rugby Pitches to Boxing Rings: A Foundation of Expertise
iVisit`s ability to orchestrate events of such colossal scale isn`t an overnight phenomenon. It`s the culmination of 25 years immersed in the intricate world of major sports events. Their journey began with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU), managing Six Nations, World Cup, and Autumn Invitationals – experiences that laid the groundwork for managing stadium-filling spectacles. Pereira notes the profound similarities between the community passion for rugby in Wales and the core spirit of boxing.
Their expertise expanded into football, working closely with giants like Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United, and Manchester City, further solidifying their understanding of fan engagement and large-scale logistics. This rich background in rugby, football, and cricket ultimately led to their involvement in events like Fury-Usyk I, an “arrival” for iVisit Boxing into the global spotlight.
The Future of Fight Towns: Creating “I Was There” Moments
With San Francisco poised to host a potentially record-shattering event, iVisit Boxing is already looking ahead. The roadmap includes bringing their unique brand of urban boxing spectacle to a roster of “traditional, old-school fight towns” across the United States: New York, Detroit, Boston, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
The promise remains consistent: not just great boxing, but an all-encompassing entertainment experience. It`s about delivering exceptional value, a distinct sense of uniqueness, and forging moments destined for the history books. In essence, iVisit Boxing aims to be the purveyor of those cherished, indelible “I was there” memories, redefining what a live boxing event can truly be for a new generation of fans.
