EASTON, P.A. (DECEMBER 16, 2015)—Standing on a granite base with his powerful signature left jab poised, the “Easton Assassin” is now in Downtown Easton’s Scott Park, according to Toms River-based Hanlon Sculpture Studio who designed and constructed the nine-foot bronze likeness of boxing legend and Easton native, Larry Holmes.
Former Heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes “The Easton Assassin” poses with his statue that was created by artist Brian Hanlon and unveiled in Holmes’ hometown of Easton, PA on December 13, 2015. Photo Credit: lehighvalleylive.com
Former Heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes “The Easton Assassin” poses with his statue that was created by artist Brian Hanlon and unveiled in Holmes’ hometown of Easton, PA on December 13, 2015. Photo Credit: lehighvalleylive.com
“Holmes was a force to be reckoned with,” said Artist Brian Hanlon who is also the Official Sculptor of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “He beat Ali, Norton, Shavers and Cooney, and then went back to his hometown and gave back. It was an honor to pay tribute to him and his stellar career in a place where he has created jobs for his fellow residents.”
Attending the dedication event were outspoken fight promoter Don King as well as many of Holmes’ friends from the boxing world and nearly 30 celebrities. Prior to the afternoon unveiling was a parade down Larry Holmes Drive attended by an estimated 2,000 fans.
The imposing statue was placed between Larry Holmes Drive and the Lehigh River and across the street from two buildings that also bear the heavyweight champion’s namesake.
Now 66, Holmes garnered the title of heavyweight champion from 1978 until 1985 with a career record of 69-6, which included a whopping 44 knockouts. He made 20 successful title defenses, placing him third all time, behind only Joe Louis “The Brown Bomber” at 25 and 6’ 6” Wladimir Klitschko at 22. He has been inducted into both the International Boxing Hall of Fame and World Boxing Hall of Fame.
This is Hanlon’s latest creation in a succession of sports greats including fellow boxing legend, Leavander Johnson, who died tragically in 2005 following a fight to defend his title; NBA’s first African American player, Earl Lloyd; NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal; Temple University’s John Chaney and Harry Litwack; former Philadelphia Eagles linebacker and NFL Hall of Famer, Chuck Bednarik; and Syracuse University’s Jim Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little.
For more photos, please visit: Larry Holmes Statue Gallery
ABOUT HANLON SCULPTURE STUDIO
Brian P. Hanlon is a classically-trained master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio; a full-service art studio that designs, creates, and installs awe-inspiring and signature monuments featuring bronze, aluminum, stainless steel and granite sculptures, illustrative and informational graphics, and interactive kiosks.
Hanlon Sculpture Studio provides complete site design services from sculptures to hard and softscapes, and offers total project management from design to installation and unveiling. In collaboration with administrative and athletic staff at colleges and universities, the studio develops the scope of artwork projects that are designed to enhance the spirit, pride and tradition of athletics and the campus community.
