Holyfield coming to Livingston matches

Former world heavyweight champion Evander “Real Deal” Holyfield will be in Livingston on Saturday as part of a charity boxing event.

The Olympic fighter is the guest speaker for the fourth annual Gloves Not Drugs boxing program set to begin at 1 p.m. in Livingston High School’s gym, 1617 Main St.

The event is put on by the Carlos Vieira Foundation, a nonprofit that works for a number of causes, including autistic children, drug prevention and childhood cancer. Bethany Twist, the foundation’s professional relations director, said she believes Holyfield’s story will resonate with youths at the event.

“How cool is it to have a four-time heavyweight champ?” she said. “He’s gone through a troubled life, and boxing was an inspiration to him.”

Holyfield, 53, was born on Oct. 19, 1962, the youngest of nine children, according to his website. His family lived in poverty in Atmore, Ala., and Holyfield discovered boxing at the age of 8 and had his first fight at 11.

In 1984, Holyfield represented the U.S. in the Los Angeles Olympic Games and won a bronze medal. During his 30 years in the ring, he made more than $230 million.

Holyfield may be best known by casual boxing fans as the guy whose ear was partially bitten off by former heavyweight champion “Iron” Mike Tyson.

This is not the first time one of the all-time greats has come to Livingston. Last year’s event brought in Sugar Ray Leonard, a former welterweight champion and a member of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

The 51 FIFTY Energy Drink company, which is based in Livingston, sponsors the benefit.

This year’s event has 20 bouts featuring young fighters. The Livingston gym opens at 1 p.m. and boxing starts at 2.

Holyfield is scheduled to meet and take photos with the public around 5:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale online and cost $10 for adults and $5 for children. They’ll also be on sale at the door for $15 for adults and $10 for children.

For more information or for tickets, go to www.carlosvieirafoundation.org or call 209-394-1444.

This story was originally published March 9, 2016 at 6:32 PM with the headline "Holyfield coming to Livingston matches."