Holyfield to visit India in July

By David Finger

If there is one thing that boxing fans have learned to appreciate about former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield it is his ability to set a blistering pace. And it appears that he is taking that level of energy to his new company: Real Deal Sports & Entertainment. Holyfield, who is set to promote his first show on June 24th in Louisville, Kentucky, will follow it up with a trip to India in early July where he is slated to give a series of boxing lessons to local fighters and coaches. He is also scheduled to speak with local boxers at the Indian Boxing Academy, one of the more noteworthy boxing gyms in the nation of over one billion people.

Holyfield may also soon be bringing his promotional company to India as Sportstar Live reported that Holyfield is in talks with the Indian Professional Boxing Association (IPBA) to possibly partner up with the organization in the near future.

“We are looking forward to a long partnership,” Shahe Ali, President of the IPBA, told Sportstar Live of his negotiations with Holyfield.

Holyfield appears to have also confirmed he would be travelling to India, tweeting “INDIA here we go!” on his Twitter page (https://twitter.com/holyfield/status/869275392921751553) after thanking the IPBA for inviting him to the country. 

India calling for Evander Holyfield

Invited by the Indian Professional Boxing Association (IPBA), the American legend will give a few lessons to the Indian boxers and coaches to ensure they are ready for the big stage.

SHAYAN ACHARYA

01 JUNE, 2017 15:50 IST

At a time when professional boxing is suddenly sliding downward–with Vijender Singh parting ways with Queensberry and Sarita Devi and Pinki Jangra returning to amateur fold again–Holyfield’s visit could be a major boost.

This could well be a ‘Big Deal’ for Indian boxing! One of the biggest names in the world of professional boxing, Evander Holyfield, is all set to travel to India to promote professional boxing.

The American boxing legend, who quit in 2011, will be in New Delhi in early July to encourage pugilists to pursue professional boxing. Invited by the Indian Professional Boxing Association (IPBA), the American legend will give a few lessons to the Indian Professional boxers and coaches to ensure they are ready for the big stage.

“We had invited him (Holyfield) to join our campaign in India and he readily agreed. It is a big thing if a legend like Holyfield is ready to talk to our Indian boxers,” Amjad Khan, the vice-president of IPBA, told Sportstar on Thursday.

Even the boxing legend took to Twitter to admit that he will be on his way to India soon. “@IPBABoxing Thank you for the invite. India here we go!” Holyfield tweeted. 

Holyfield’s response to IPBA’s invite: https://twitter.com/holyfield/status/869275392921751553

During his visit to India, the American will also spend time with the youngsters at the Amjad Khan Boxing Training Centre in New Delhi. In 2015, star boxer Amir Khan too had visited the centre. “This is being done to spread the game among the masses,” Khan said.

At a time when professional boxing is suddenly sliding downward–with Vijender Singh parting ways with Queensberry and Sarita Devi and Pinki Jangra returning to amateur fold again–Holyfield’s visit could be a major boost.  “This will be a big thing for the Indian boxers as they would be able to learn a thing or two from the legendary boxer. We all are looking forward to it,” Khan, also a former boxer, added.

After quitting boxing six years ago, the former four-time heavyweight world title holder would also begin his stint as a boxing promoter on June 24, when his newly-floated company, Real Deal Sports and Entertainment, will put its first card at Kentucky’s Freedom Hall.

It is also learnt that the IPBA is in talks with the boxing legend for a possible tie-up plan with his promoting company. “We are looking forward to a long partnership,” said Khan, refusing to reveal further details.