Leavander Johnson Statue Artistic Rendering Unveiling
Press Release
WHO: Bill Johnson (Father & Trainer), Craig Johnson (Brother & Manager), Floyd Williams (CEO of The Leavander Johnson Foundation), Mayor Lorenzo Langford, Councilman Marty Small, and Brian Hanlon (Sculptor).
WHAT: Press Conference to unveil the rendering of the Leavander Johnson Statue. WHEN: The press conference will be held on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 10:00 AM EST. WHERE: Center City Park, Atlantic and North Carolina Avenue, Atlantic City, NJ 08401 WHY: Come see the rendering of the statue and have a chance to interview all parties involved.
Leavander Johnson, a lifelongAtlantic City resident and fixture at the Atlantic City Police Athletic League, was an IBF Lightweight boxing champion who tragically lost his life at the pinnacle of his career doing the job he loved, defending his city and his championship belt. He passed away September 22, 2005, five days after collapsing in the locker room following his first fight since winning the title on June 17th. Johnson was trained at the PAL by his father, who continues today to coach young boxers in after-school programs and provide them with the skills to be successful in and out of the ring.
To pay tribute to Atlantic City’s World Champion on the fifth anniversary of his death, and in partnership with the City of Atlantic City and The Leavander Johnson Foundation, renowned sculptor Brian Hanlon of Hanlon Sculpture Studio will create a statue honoring Johnson that will serve as an inspiration for future generations and those determined to achieve greatness through persistence, dedication, and loyalty.
On Friday, July 9, 2010, the City of Atlantic City will be hosting a press conference to unveil the rendering of the statue. The conference is scheduled to start at 10:00 AM EST and will be attended
by: father and trainer, Bill Johnson; brother and manager, Craig Johnson; the CEO of The Leavander Johnson Foundation, Floyd Williams; Mayor Lorenzo Langford; Second Ward Councilman Marty Small; and Hanlon.
“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.”
For more information about the Leavander Johnson Statue or to confirm your attendance at the press conference, please contact Mike Van Gorder at 609-529-1108 or Floyd Williams at 702-509-0019.
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 lesser-known 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, 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, a WWII Memorial in Manchester, NJ, and ten life-size figures for St. Mary’s Church in Buffalo, NY. Current projects include Larry Holmes for Easton, PA, Yogi Berra for the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, and Dave Bing for Syracuse University.
ABOUT THE LEAVANDER JOHNSON FOUNDATION
The Leavander Johnson Foundation is a 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 THE CITY OF 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”!