ATLANTIC CITY — Showboat Resort owner Bart Blatstein has spent years talking about bringing boxing back to Atlantic City. Over the weekend, the 71-year-old developer stepped into the ring himself — and came away a champion.
Blatstein won his bout at the Pat Johnson New Jersey Masters Boxing Championship held Aug. 22 and 23 at Showboat Resort, earning his second Masters championship after previously winning a tournament title in 2024.
The CEO of Tower Investments defeated Steve Schiavoni on Saturday while representing Gleason’s Jersey Shore Gym.
The bout was part of a two-day USA Boxing-sanctioned tournament that attracted more than 100 amateur boxers age 35 and older.
“We are thrilled not only to host the largest Masters tournament on the East Coast but to actively participate in the revival of Atlantic City boxing,” Blatstein said.
For Blatstein, hosting the tournament and competing in it were closely connected.
“Stepping into the ring alongside incredible master athletes was an honor,” he said. “Winning my second title is a proud personal achievement, but hosting this sanctioned event at Showboat underscores our larger vision to give back to the community and give kids in need in New Jersey a fighting chance.”
Blatstein continues push for Atlantic City boxing
Blatstein has been a vocal supporter of restoring Atlantic City’s reputation as a boxing destination.
The resort city has a lengthy history with the sport, particularly during the casino era, when major fights regularly drew national television audiences and large crowds to Atlantic City.
The Masters championship was held in Showboat’s boutique boxing venue and organized by Manny Fernandez. Organizers describe the tournament as the largest Masters boxing event on the East Coast.
This year’s competition included more than 100 boxers from across the region.
Blatstein’s appearance was unusual for a major Atlantic City property owner: rather than merely promoting or hosting the event, he climbed through the ropes and competed.
At 71, his victory over Schiavoni gave him his second Masters title in three years.
Tournament benefits at-risk youth
The weekend also served as a fundraiser for the New Jersey Give a Kid a Dream “Champions of Life” program.
The nonprofit organization, founded by Coach Jackie Atkins, uses amateur Olympic-style boxing to work with at-risk young people.
Its programming extends beyond training in the ring and includes mentoring, academic development, health education and social etiquette.
The organization describes its curriculum around four principles: Elevate, Educate, Empower and Embrace.
Blatstein said supporting young people is an important part of Showboat's involvement with boxing.
The combination of youth programming, amateur competition and larger boxing events also fits into his broader effort to establish Showboat as an Atlantic City home for the sport.
For more information about the nonprofit and its programs, visit New Jersey Give a Kid a Dream.
