Evander Holyfield offers titles to inspire Kyrgyzstan's youth in sports
Translated from Russian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Boxing legend Evander Holyfield stated he is willing to trade all his titles to inspire children in Kyrgyzstan to pursue sports.
- He emphasized that a champion's true legacy lies in inspiring youth, not just in titles won.
- Holyfield's visit aims to support young athletes and promote the development of children's sports in Kyrgyzstan, with organizers hoping it will showcase the country's potential for nurturing world-class athletes.
Boxing legend Evander Holyfield has declared his willingness to exchange all his championship titles for the opportunity to inspire the children of Kyrgyzstan to engage in sports. During his inaugural interview in the Central Asian nation, the world-famous boxer articulated that the primary objective of his visit is to champion youth development and foster the growth of children's sports.
I am ready to exchange all my titles to inspire children in Kyrgyzstan to play sports.
Holyfield, an undisputed world champion and four-time heavyweight world champion, stated that he came to Kyrgyzstan not merely for official engagements but, more importantly, to connect with children and young athletes. He believes a champion's enduring legacy is defined by the number of young individuals they inspire to adopt a positive life path, rather than the accolades they accumulate. "I came here to be an example for children," Holyfield remarked. "If, thanks to this visit, at least a few boys and girls start playing sports and one day become champions, then my mission is accomplished."
The true legacy of a champion is measured not by the number of titles won, but by how many young people he was able to inspire to choose the right path in life.
The boxing icon intends to focus particularly on developing youth sports, expressing confidence in Kyrgyzstan's potential to produce new world-class athletes. "I know there are already talented boxers here," he noted. "But I would like to see even more champions who will bring glory to Kyrgyzstan all over the world." Since concluding his professional career, Holyfield has been actively involved in public service and charitable endeavors, supporting youth sports initiatives and promoting sports among children, values deeply rooted in his personal life as a father of 11.
I came here to be an example for children. If, thanks to this visit, at least a few boys and girls start playing sports and one day become champions, then my mission is accomplished. I am ready to exchange all my awards for the opportunity to be remembered as a person who inspired a new generation.
Organizers of the visit are optimistic about its impact, viewing it as a significant event for both professional boxing and the nation at large. Shailoobek Atazov, President of the Boxing Federation of Kyrgyzstan, stated, "For Kyrgyzstan, this is not just a visit by a legendary champion. This is an opportunity to show the whole world that our country is open to big sports and is ready to nurture world-class champions." Atazov added that the visit aims to convey to children that success requires a dream, discipline, and hard work, hoping that it will motivate at least one child to pursue sports and believe in their potential.
I know there are already talented boxers here. But I would like to see even more champions who will bring glory to Kyrgyzstan all over the world.
Originally published by 24.kg in Russian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.