Excitement as boxing legend, Holyfield storms Lagos, donates $3m health equipment

Former Heavyweight boxing champion, Evander Holyfield, has announced the donation of health equipment worth $3m to the Lagos State government.

Holyfield, a  five-time world cruiserweight, and heavyweight boxing champion arrived in the country on Wednesday ahead of his bout with former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The exhibition boxing match is part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee anniversary of  Lagos State.

Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Akinunmi Ambode, Holyfield said the donation was part of his plans to also give back to the society through his foundation.

The 54-year-old recalled how he started boxing at the young age of 8 and became champion at 9, Holyfield said he felt like quitting after initially suffering defeats but his mother told him to hang on.

“I became the person I am because I listened, I followed direction and I did not quit even when I lost. In giving back to the society, I am here to say I got a Real Deal Promotion. We are looking for young fighters who want to listen and follow instruction.

“This is about giving back to the society. I want kids to learn from me how I became four times heavyweight champion,” Holyfield said.

He also announced the donation of $3m worth of health equipment to Lagos State Government, a gesture which Governor Ambode commended and urged other sports’ legends and individuals to imitate.Punch