Beloved legendary boxer Evander “The Real Deal” Holyfield recently made an impactful visit to East St. Louis, where he spoke about the importance of family, resilience, and scouting new boxing talent.
“I see myself in the kids’ eyes,” Holyfield said. “I can see that they want to be good.”
Holyfield met with young fighters at Flash Boxing & Activity Center, owned by Arthur “Flash” Johnson, a teammate from the 1984 U.S. Olympic Team. Illinois State Senator Christopher Belt also attended the event with the two boxing champions.
“People almost don’t believe me when I tell them I’m a champion,” Johnson said, “and seeing Evander they’re like, ‘oh, well I guess you really did do something.’”
Both Holyfield and Johnson share a common history, having fought their way out of impoverished inner-city neighborhoods before finding success in the ring. Holyfield was raised in the Bowen Homes Housing Projects in Atlanta by a single mother and eight older siblings.
Johnson, who grew up in East St. Louis, said he invited his friend to show the kids a positive example of success.
“If you see it, then you can be it,” Johnson says.
Local activist J.D. Dixon has boxed for the foundation for 15 years and says he does so for mental health.
“For a legend like Evander Holyfield to visit East St. Louis is huge,” said Dixon. “His words about never giving up are important and mean a lot to the people of this community.”
Holyfield’s visit was not only inspirational but also an opportunity to identify and recruit future champions for his team, aiming to nurture new talent and help them achieve their dreams in the world of boxing.
