Boxing News Boxing News
The City of Atlantic City, Hanlon Sculpture Studio, and The Leavander Johnson Foundation hosted a press conference today to unveil the conceptual drawing and announce the fundraising plan for the Leavander Johnson Memorial Statue.
Johnson was an Atlantic City hometown hero and world boxing champion who tragically died as the result of blows from a fight.
During the press conference, a drawing of the statue was unveiled by Sculptor Brian Hanlon, and Johnson’s father/trainer and brother/manager, Bill Johnson and Craig Johnson, respectively.
“Leavander’s intensity and commitment in the ring and loyalty to Atlantic City is an inspiration to all who will view this sculpture,” said Hanlon.
Bill Johnson expressed sincere gratitude when asked what the statue of his son meant to him, which will be placed in Atlantic City’s Center City Park. “On behalf of the family it comes as a great honor, for all the sweat and tears Leavander shed in his pursuit as World Champion, for his love for boxing, and his home of Atlantic City,” said Johnson.
Also in attendance were Mayor Lorenzo Langford, 2nd Ward Councilmember Marty Small, and the CEO of The Leavander Johnson Foundation, Floyd Williams.
“This is a fitting tribute to someone that made the entire city proud,” said Langford. “World Champions come far and few between and Leavander has represented himself, his family, and the community very well, and I am proud of him.”
“First and foremost, Leavander and his family are my friends, so I am thrilled and honored to make this dream come true for the Johnson family,” said Small.
“As a councilman for the City of Atlantic City I am even more thrilled that this statue will be located in my ward and secondly, it is a fitting tribute to Leavander for all the hard work and dedication throughout his boxing career and his perseverance to become a World Champion. He is a true example and role model to the youths in Atlantic City, inspiring them to never give up on their dreams.”
The statue will be funded through private donations, and with plans to unveil the monumental-size bronze statue on September 22, 2010, the 5th anniversary of Johnson’s death, donations for all levels of giving are currently being accepted.
Please refer to the available sponsorships for information regarding sponsorship levels and the permanent recognition of donors.
“The Leavander Johnson Foundation would like to acknowledge and thank the Barona Casino in Southern California for already contributing to the creation of the statue,” said Williams.
Floyd’s brother, Keith Williams, a former long-term Atlantic City resident and current Executive Director of Player Development for Barona, was instrumental in securing the donation.
