Boxing is not something most people would immediately associate with Monte Carlo. Yachts, yes, supercars, sure, casinos – of course! The sport that dominates the French Riviera’s most glamorous destination has four wheels and goes vroom.
Yet boxing in Monte Carlo has a long and surprisingly storied history. Many past greats have fought here, dating back more than a century when Georges Carpentier defeated Jim Sullivan for the European middleweight title in 1912. Other legendary names to have laced up by the bay include Carlos Mónzon, Marvellous Marvin Hagler and Julio Caesar Chavez.
Since 2017, Matchroom Boxing has returned pugilism to the principality with its annual Monte-Carlo Showdown. Dmitry Bivol, Derek Chisora, Zhilei Zhang and Ramla Ali are among the fighters showcased in the past. The Monte Carlo shows have developed a reputation for blending a mixture of future stars with well-matched bangers across the card. Good, traditional boxing – except most of the crowd are wearing tuxedos, there’s a playable casino chip on every seat and a literal prince sitting in the front row.
Eddie Hearn and HRH take in the action
This year the action took place in the Salle des Etoiles, traditionally a concert hall that tonight hosts dances of an altogether more violent nature. The walls are mirrored and it feels like you're inside a gigantic disco ball, especially with the abundance of roaming spotlights. It's a tight, compact venue and the noise can get intense – the raucous supporters of Maxi Hughes and Garry Cully turned the place into a bearpit split between Yorkshire and Dublin.
Happily, the two best fights crown the card. Cheavon Clarke survived a first round knockdown but ultimately dropped a split decision to Leonardo Mosquea in a gruelling slugfest for the European cruiserweight title. Then Uzbekistani super bantamweight Murodjon Akhmadaliev destroyed Ricardo Espinoza in three rounds to claim the WBA interim title and set up a potential superfight with Naoya Inoue.
I thoroughly enjoyed the evening. While Monte Carlo will never be a boxing mecca in the manner of Madison Square Garden or even Wembley Stadium, the experience is a memorable one, especially for fans seeking something a little different than a traditional fight night. Of course a large part of the appeal is the destination – a weekend in Monte Carlo is about as baller as life gets. Here’s our guide on doing it right.
Stay at Hotel De Paris
Easy one, this. Situated right next to the casino, Hotel de Paris has been one of the world’s grandest hotels since its opening in 1864. A $280 million renovation was completed in 2019, adding a modern sheen to this most historic of buildings. Everything about the place oozes class, from the statue of a horse-riding Louis XIV in the lobby to the balconies that equip all 207 rooms. The size of its Christmas tree would’ve shamed a skyscraper.
Basically everyone who’s anyone has stayed here: Frank Sinatra, Roger Moore, Coco Chanel right up to Lady Gaga and Michael Jordan. Princess Grace of Monaco adored the hotel. The hotel returns the compliment with its Princess Grace penthouse suite, a two-floor extravaganza boasting a heated infinity pool and jacuzzi. It’s not even the most expensive offering in the hotel – that would be the Prince Rainier III suite on the literal roof.
The hotel boasts the three-Michelin star Le Louis XV from Alain Ducasse and Le Bar Américain, the ultimate spot for a nightcap. If the weather permits, enjoy a sunlit breakfast on the veranda overlooking the Mediterranean sea. As you’re situated on the French Riviera, the weather will permit most days – even in the depths of December. Paris isn’t just for springtime in Monte Carlo.
Lunch at Mada One
A delightfully chic spot that you could easily find on the Upper East Side, Mada One does everything from takeaway snacks to breakfast to hearty – yet healthy – lunch plates. You can even go full British and order afternoon tea. Bright and colourful, the vibe is far removed from the opulence typically associated with Monte Carlo: more Joe Wicks than James Bond. Then again, chef Marcel Ravin does have two Michelin stars for his Blue Bay restaurant at Monte-Carlo Bay.
The crispy chicken Bao bun was delicious yet remarkably light for such a dish; I didn’t feel the need to jog back to the hotel in penance. (Even considering the peanut coleslaw.) The scallop pasta was simple and divine. It says a lot about Mada One’s popularity that not only was the place packed but people were patiently queuing at the entrance. This feels very much a Monte Carlo institution in the making.
Dine at Café de Paris
Did someone say Monte Carlo institution? Café de Paris has been the hotspot since 1868, although it only took its current moniker in 1882 – originally it was Café Divan. (There’s a fun little icebreaker for the aperitifs.) Situated opposite the casino, with the hotel right across the square, it’s no exaggeration to say the outside tables might be the best people-watching spot on the planet. (And almost certainly the best supercar-watching spot.)
The cafe recently underwent a makeover courtesy of David Collins Studio, extending over two floors and adding a rooftop terrace. The Art Deco interiors are very beautiful and very shiny; the curved central staircase is destined to be decorated by a dozen social media influencers at any time of day. The food is exactly what you want it to be: dishes such as Burgundy snails, lobster brioche, and beef tartare proving as opulent as the surroundings. A must.
Drink at Le Bar Américain
No need to reinvent the wheel here; the American Bar has been the ultimate Monte Carolo drinking destination since the 1930s. It’s inside the Hotel de Paris, meaning you can be at the roulette wheel in five minutes and your bedroom in two. Sinatra drank on table 34.
There’s live music every evening and an extensive list of bespoke and classic cocktails. God knows the most expensive bottle offered here but you’d probably have to remortgage your house. (Or enjoy a very good night in the casino.) Our recommendation: order a Vesper martini and pretend to be James Bond. You’re in a place of fantasy after all.
