ATLANTA — A statue of one of Atlanta's greatest sports legends was debuted Friday.
The likeness of Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield was unveiled on June 25 at State Farm Arena.
Holyfield, 58, who learned the skill of boxing while growing up on the Westside of Atlanta, attended the ceremony with a roster of dignitaries. International Boxing Hall of Fame Announcer Jimmy Lennon, Jr. was expected to serve as host.
Brian Hanlon, the official sculptor of the NBA Hall of Fame, sculpted the statue. The artist has created other renderings of local icons, including a statue of Dominique Wilkins that already stands outside the arena.
Holyfield is the only four-time world heavyweight boxing champion and Olympic medalist. He also became the first boxer since Muhammad Ali to win the heavyweight title three times.