Fort Lauderdale spring breakers stage illegal beach boxing match, place crypto bets

A crowd of over 100 spring breakers formed a circle around two men engaged in a fistfight on the beach as spectators cheered. Fort Lauderdale resident Joshua Pettus, who was out for a walk, said he became aware of the fight after hearing someone taking bets.

“I started hearing somebody taking bets and they were doing it with crypto,” Pettus told NBC Miami. “Boxing gloves came out, the ring got bigger, and I knew the fight was going to start.”

Pettus recorded video of the match, showing two shirtless men exchanging punches while onlookers applauded.

“Why aren’t they playing football? Something that is not going to get people injured,” he told the outlet.

Police eventually arrived at the scene and broke up the fight, according to a statement from the City of Fort Lauderdale. Officials confirmed that law enforcement witnessed and intervened in “two incidents on the beach,” with crowds dispersing both times without further issues.

“There have been no reported confirmed cases of betting. This type of behavior will not be tolerated,” the city’s statement added.

Pettus commented on the broader challenges of spring break in the area, where large crowds, alcohol consumption, and live music continue despite restrictions in high-traffic beach zones.

“We want your business. We want you to come and have fun and enjoy our beautiful place down here in sunny South Florida,” Pettus said. “But do it responsibly — without the violence.”