Two weeks after opening, the new casino in Milton Keynes is shifting its focus from gaming tables to a night of live boxing entertainment. MERKUR Casino’s flagship venue at Xscape staged its first major live event last weekend, headlined by British boxing greats Carl Froch and David Haye, alongside veteran broadcaster Gary Newbon.
Venue opened earlier this month
MERKUR Casino Milton Keynes launches live events calendar with high-profile boxing showcase
2025-11-14
Reading time 1:33 min
The trio appeared for a live fight-night special built around the Eubank Jr vs Benn II bout, offering commentary, analysis, and audience Q&A sessions. The evening marked the launch of a new live events program at the 22,000-square-foot venue, which opened earlier this month with a launch party attended by local dignitaries, media, and VIP guests.
Froch, a four-time world super-middleweight champion inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2023, is remembered for his victories over George Groves, Mikkel Kessler, and Lucian Bute. Haye, a former unified cruiserweight and WBA heavyweight world champion, is one of the few British fighters to have claimed titles in two divisions.
Both will join Newbon, whose career at ITV and Sky has spanned half a century of sports broadcasting, for a pre-fight panel followed by a post-fight analysis. The casino’s operator said the event is designed to signal its ambitions beyond gaming.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to launch our live events calendar,” said Mark Schertle, Chief Operating Officer at MERKUR Casino UK Ltd. “Having legends like Carl Froch, David Haye and Gary Newbon here in Milton Keynes is an incredible way to showcase what MERKUR Casino is all about. Premium experiences, high-quality entertainment and unforgettable nights out.”
The Milton Keynes opening earlier this month drew hundreds of guests for a launch night featuring live tribute acts, roaming performers, and a £10,000 prize giveaway.
“The opening marks a defining moment for MERKUR and for the city itself,” Schertle said at the time. “The atmosphere on launch night was simply electric and a true celebration of what we stand for – entertainment, energy and community.”
Xscape’s Centre Director Dan Murphy said the new venue has already made an impact. “The new casino, complete with its impressive sports bar and entertainment spaces, has created a real buzz – offering guests an elevated experience that blends excitement, energy, and top-quality entertainment,” he said.
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