Bruce Seldon Jnr and Josh Popper set for heavyweight Atlantic City derby

Boxing Insider Promotions returns to the Tropicana Atlantic City Showroom on Saturday, June 13, 2026 as undefeated South Jersey heavyweights Josh Popper and Bruce Seldon Jnr headline what is likely to be a popular local heavyweight showdown.

Bruce “2.0” Seldon Jnr, 8-0 (6 KOs), of Smithville, NJ, trains out of the Pleasantville Recreation Center under trainer Julio Sanchez. The son of former WBA heavyweight belt-holder Bruce Seldon has built five of his eight wins on the Boxing Insider stage at the Tropicana — where his raw power and finishing instinct have made him a local fan favorite. The Absegami graduate is fighting in his own backyard — and he has never once left the building without a win.

Josh “The Hammer” Popper (6-0, 6 KOs) of Egg Harbor Township trains at Bredwinners Gym in Manhattan under Jose Luis Guzman. A 2023 USA Boxing Metro NY Golden Gloves and New York Ring Masters champion, the 6’3” former Rowan University All-Conference standout earned NFL minicamp invitations from the Cardinals and Colts.

Ali Act PASSES! Haney vs Romero Next, Roach-Zepeda title fight ordered

Boxing is moving fast — and today’s biggest stories could reshape the sport. A new version of the Muhammad Ali Act has passed the U.S. House, aiming to change fighter pay, contracts, and how promotions operate. If approved in the Senate, this could bring a completely new structure to boxing in the United States. At the same time, Bill Haney has hinted that Devin Haney vs Rolando “Rolly” Romero is next, setting up a potential welterweight clash.

Friday | Mar 27, 2026

These aren’t strangers to the room nor are they strangers to each other. Both grew up in the suburbs of Atlantic City. Football rivals first. Boxing rivals now.

“You have any idea how hard it is to make a fight like this?” said promoter Larry Goldberg. “Two undefeated heavyweights from the same area, both with history on Boxing Insider shows, and they were willing to step up. To quote Oscar De La Hoya — they are daring to be great. They’re taking a real risk at home, in front of their own people. Give both these guys credit for doing what nobody else is willing to do right now.”

Seldon left no doubt about where his head is: “The fight can’t get here fast enough. This is the type of fight I’ve been looking forward to since I turned pro. I am motivated. I immediately accepted it when it was offered, without hesitation. I live for this. I have a lot of respect for Josh and his team but June 13th is going to be my night. I am already three weeks into my preparation and the world is going to see a Bruce Seldon Jnr they have never seen before. Josh has never stepped into the ring with someone like me. I can’t wait to climb through the ropes at the Tropicana and give all my fans and everyone in attendance a night to remember.”

Popper fired back: “It’s gonna be one of the biggest fights in Atlantic City in quite some time. I have nothing but respect for Bruce, but he’s gonna find out that I’m different from everybody he’s been in the ring with. Not having any kind of amateur background is going to be highlighted when he’s in the ring with me. Being an amateur here in New York, I’ve seen a lot of different types of opposition. I’ve been ready and waiting for an opponent like Bruce, and on June 13th everyone’s gonna see why.”