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ATLANTIC CITY, NJ (September 21, 2010) – The highly anticipated
unveiling of the Leavander Johnson Memorial Statue has been
rescheduled for Saturday, October 30th due to scheduling conflicts.
“While it is unfortunate that we have to reschedule the statue
dedication, The Leavander Johnson Foundation is looking forward to the
unveiling next month in front of a large audience,” said Floyd
Williams, CEO of the Foundation.
The statue honoring Atlantic City’s World Champion is being created by
renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon of Hanlon Sculpture Studio located in
Toms River, New Jersey.
Sponsorships benefiting the creation of the statue are still
available. To contribute to the project, please visit
www.leavanderjohnsonfoundation.org/leavanderjohnsonstatue.html. For
more information, please contact Floyd Williams at 702-509-0019 or
Stephanie Caldwell at 609-289-8519.
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 boxing
career at the Atlantic City PAL under the watchful eye of his father,
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 over Stefano
Zoff in Milan, Italy. Three months later, on September 17, 2005 in
Las Vegas, Johnson unsuccessfully defended his title against Jesus
Chavez when the fight was stopped in the 11th round. Johnson later
collapsed in the locker room and was rushed to the hospital for
emergency surgery to correct a subdural hematoma. Tragically, his
condition did not improve and he 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, NJ. In business since
1991, Hanlon has sculpted over 200 public art pieces, specializing in
bronze statues, and is the Official Sculptor for the Naismith Memorial
Basketball Hall of Fame. He has been coined “New Jersey’s Sculptor”
for his local work that includes the Angel in Anguish 9/11 Memorial in
Brick Township, the Pennsauken 9/11 Memorial, Governor Richard J.
Hughes at The Law Center in New Brunswick, Count Basie in Red Bank,
and the WWII Memorial in Manchester Township. Current projects
include Shaquille O’Neal for Louisiana State University, Larry Holmes
for Easton, PA, Yogi Berra for the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning
Center, Dave Bing for Syracuse University, and Fr. Mychal Judge, OFM
for East Rutherford. For more information: www.hanlonsculpture.com
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.
About Atlantic City
Atlantic City offers something for everyone. From the boardwalk to the
bay, our great city has become a world-class destination and a “must
see” attraction for millions of visitors annually. From fine dining
and entertainment, to a wide array of shopping and, of course, casino
excitement…we’re “always turned on”!
