THE Unveiling Of The Leavander Johnson Statue was Saturday, June 4, 2011 At 11:00 AM
Center City Park In Atlantic City, New Jersey. Future Hall of Famer and WBC and Ring Magazine Light Heavyweight World Champion Bernard Hopkins Attended the Ceremony
The long awaited statue of the late International Boxing Federation (IBF) Lightweight World Champion Leavander Johnson, created by world renowned sculptor and New Jersey native, Brian Hanlon, is now complete and unveiled during a ceremony at Center City Park in Atlantic City, New Jersey on June 4, 2011. The Park is located on Atlantic Avenue between North Carolina and South Carolina Avenues.
Johnson, an Atlantic City native son and hero, will be immortalized forever in the heart of his hometown where he will be an inspiration and a constant reminder that "You too can achieve your dream." The unveiling ceremony is open to the general public and residents of Atlantic City and surrounding communities are encouraged to attend the event.
About Leavander Johnson
Leavander Johnson (12/24/1969 - 9/22/2005) compiled a career record of 34-5-2 with 26 wins by way of knockout. Johnson was born and raised in Atlantic City and trained throughout his childhood and professional boxing career at the Atlantic City PAL under the watchful eye of his father Bill who continues to instruct the youths of today. Johnson first became champion by winning the IBO Lightweight title in 1995. After three previous attempts failed, Johnson finally captured the vacant IBF Lightweight title on June 17, 2005 with a 7th round TKO of Stefano Zoff in Milan, Italy. Three months later, on September 17, 2005 in Las Vegas, Johnson defended his title for the first time against Jesus Chavez in a fight that Johnson lost when it was stopped in the 11th round. Johnson later collapsed in the locker room and was rushed to the hospital where emergency surgery was performed in an attempt to correct a subdural hematoma. Tragically, his condition did not improve and Johnson passed away September 22, 2005 with his family by his side.
About Hanlon Sculpture Studio
Brian Hanlon is a classically trained master sculptor and founder of Hanlon Sculpture Studio, located in Toms River, New Jersey. In business since 1991, Brian has sculpted over 200 public art pieces, specializing in bronze statues, and is the Official Sculptor for the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His recent completions include a statue of Bob Cousy at Holy Cross, Zan's Garden of Life at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, a WWII Memorial in Manchester, New Jersey, and ten life-size figures for St. Mary's Church in Buffalo, New York. His current projects include statues of Shaquille O'Neal for Louisiana State University, Larry Holmes in Easton, Pennsylvania, Yogi Berra for the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center and Dominique Wilkins in Atlanta, Georgia.
About The Leavander Johnson Foundation
The Leavander Johnson Foundation is non profit 501(c)3 community based empowerment organization. The mission of the Leavander Johnson Foundation is to enable communities to improve the quality and circumstances of life for present and future generations. In meeting these challenges, the Foundation employs flexible approaches and innovative strategies that are responsive to changing needs and new opportunities. The goal is to stimulate long-lasting and sustainable progress in which contributes to community vitality and economic growth.
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