Express & Star

Evander Holyfield is coming to Birmingham

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Boxing legend Evander Holyfield will be back in the West Midlands next month as the feature attraction of a sportsman's dinner in the heart of Birmingham.

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The former undisputed world heavyweight champion will be at the Second City's Holiday Inn Hotel in Smallbrook Queensway on Wednesday October 2.

'The Real Deal' was one of the most recognisable fighters of his era, turning pro at 21 after winning a bronze medal at the 1984 Olympic Games.

He knocked out Mike Tyson's conqueror, James 'Buster' Douglas, to take all of the heavyweight belts for the first time in 1990, but retired after being defeated for the titles by Michael Moorer in 1994.

He returned and engaged in two big battles with Tyson, taking the WBA crown by stoppage in 1996 and then winning by disqualification a year later, after famously having part of his ear bitten off.

He drew with Lennox Lewis in 1999 but lost a rematch eight months later, before becoming the only boxer to win a version of the heavyweight title four times in 2000, against John Ruiz.

The 50-year-old hasn't retired yet, either, last halting Dane Brian Neilsen in the 10th round in May 2011 although he hasn't competed since.

Before the evening show, Holyfield and Brummie former British middleweight champion Wayne Elcock will be visiting Birmingham Children's Hospital at 1pm to hand out presents to the patients.

Tickets to the dinner are £50, £100 and £150 - which includes a three-course meal – with prices rising for back, middle and front tier seating.

For more information, call 07976 842 383 or go to www.boxfroguk.com.