Atlanta Business Journal
By Phil W. Hudson – Staff Writer, Atlanta Business Chronicle
November 27, 2017
A 9-foot bronze statue of Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield by master sculptor Brian Hanlon is in production.
The sculpture of the five-time heavyweight champion turned boxing promoter will be housed in front of the Flatiron Building in Downtown Atlanta.
Holyfield was born in Alabama but moved to Georgia as a young boy. He was raised in the Bowen Homes Housing Project in Atlanta, and began boxing in a program at the Warren Memorial Boys Club in Southeast Atlanta. He represented the United States at the 1984 Olympics, where he won the bronze medal in the Light Heavyweight division and became the first and only boxer to reign simultaneously as champion in the Cruiserweight and the Heavyweight divisions. Holyfield went on to become the first boxer since Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight title three times. He retired from boxing in 2014 and has since been active in several business endeavors. He was elected to the International Boxing Hall of Fame Class of 2017, his first year of eligibility.
Atlanta has a long history with the sport of boxing, including professional boxer Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic Torch to open the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games, and hosting memorable and historic matches such as Ali’s comeback fight against Jerry Quarry in 1970. In 1985, Evander knocked out opponent Rick Myers in a match held in Atlanta.
“I want to thank Mayor Kasim Reed, my family and all of the people who helped me throughout my life,’ Holyfield said. “No one achieves anything without a support system behind them. I got my start at the Warren Memorial Boys Club, where my coach gave me my first opportunity to do something and be somebody special. I am so proud and thankful.”
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said the statue is part of the city’s public art investment. The sculpture and installation will cost $90,000.
Holyfield joins a handful of Atlanta greats to be memorialized for their athletic prowess, including: Wilkins; Hank Aaron, at SunTrust Park; and Bobby Dodd, at Georgia Tech.