Top Rank Boxing can return to Las Vegas in June

The UFC isn't the only combat sports organization given the OK to return to Las Vegas.

On Wednesday, the Nevada State Athletic Commission cleared mixed martial arts and boxing events to occur in the state amid the coronavirus pandemic.

UFC boss Dana White currently has cards scheduled for May 30 and June 6 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

On May 21, the Associated Press (via the Tampa Bay Times) reported that Top Rank Boxing CEO Bob Arum intends to hold multi-bout cards at MGM Grand on June 9 and June 11. Fans will not be allowed to attend any of those shows.

It's expected boxing promotions will have to follow bolstered coronavirus testing protocols and self-isolation guidelines implemented by the UFC for Vegas fight weeks. Fighters and their corner personnel will be tested multiple times and asked to restrict exposure with any non-tested individuals throughout their stays in Vegas leading up to their contests.

Recent history suggests televised and pay-per-view boxing cards will do well among die-hard fans and casual audiences yearning for content with sports leagues suspended due to the pandemic.

The UFC 249 show that occurred at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Fla., on May 9 reportedly generated roughly 700,000 buys. NASCAR has enjoyed an increase in viewers since returning this month.

"The Match: Champions for Charity" golf outing at Medalist Golf Club in Florida that featured Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Phil Mickelson was the most-watched golf event in the history of cable television.

The 53-year-old Mike Tyson has repeatedly teased returns to the squared-circle, with Evander Holyfield and current WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury mentioned as possible opponents for an exhibition bout.

Fury has claimed he received a call about facing Tyson in a one-off but that nothing "materialized out of it."