Holyfield To Attend Nevada HOF Dinner

EVANDER HOLYFIELD CONFIRMS ATTENDANCE AT NEVADA BOXING HALL OF FAME DINNER

“REAL DEAL” TO TRAVEL FROM ATLANTA FOR AUGUST 9

Former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion Evander Holyfield has announced he will travel to Las Vegas for his induction into the Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame. Holyfield will be among 18 of boxing’s finest to be feted at the Second Annual NVBHOF Induction Ceremony and Dinner. The gala takes place August 9 at the Cohiba Ballroom in the New Tropicana, Las Vegas.

Holyfield was selected in the “Non-Nevada Resident” category by the 35-member voting panel. This category honors great fighters who reside outside of Nevada but fought in the state at least 10 times or in 7 World Title bouts, distinguishing themselves at the highest levels. He will be joined in this category by onetime rival George Foreman, and iconic Roberto Duran, who also confirmed his attendance for the dinner just a few days earlier. Known appropriately as both “The Real Deal” and “Boxing’s Great Warrior”, Holyfield fought 20 times in Nevada, the vast majority of those in Las Vegas, but also in Reno and Lake Tahoe.

Reached at his home of Atlanta, Georgia, Holyfield credited much of his success and longevity to persistence and determination: “If you don’t quit, eventually you will win. Right behind excuses is success.”

Holyfield’s legendary career first gained worldwide attention at the 1984 Olympics where he was a bronze medal winner following a controversial disqualification loss to Kevin Barry. His pro career began that same year, and in only his 10th fight won the Cruiserweight title with an exciting victory over Dwight Muhammad Qawi. His Nevada debut came in 1987, a 3-round TKO over Rickey Parkey at Caesars Palace to successfully defend that title. His early foray into the heavyweight ranks included a 10-round TKO over Michael Dokes at Caesars Palace in the 1989 Fight of the Year. By 1991, he was ready to win the Heavyweight Title, which he did with a 3rd round knockout of Buster Douglas at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Later he would reclaim the title on different occasions with victories over Riddick Bowe, Mike Tyson and Michael Moorer. The victories over Bowe in the famed “Fan-man” fight and Tyson on two occasions, have reached iconic status in boxing history.

NVBHOF President and Founder Rich Marotta said, “Evander is a beloved figure in our sport. His battles with Bowe, Tyson and Foreman were both breathtaking and historic. The NVBHOF is proud to honor Evander as a member of the amazing Class of 2014”.

Tax deductible tickets are on-sale for the August 9 gala. To purchase, go to the website: nvbhof.com Tickets are $300 Gold VIP Level,

$175 for Silver Level. Cocktails and Silent Auction begin at 6, Ceremony and dinner at 7:15

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