Metro Atlanta
Metro Atlanta

Evander Holyfield to announce anti-gang effort in Cobb County

Evander Holyfield, the former longtime Atlanta resident seen in this May 2017 photo, stands in the ring at The Heavyweight Factory in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he still works out and shadow boxes.
Evander Holyfield, the former longtime Atlanta resident seen in this May 2017 photo, stands in the ring at The Heavyweight Factory in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he still works out and shadow boxes.
By Becca J G Godwin
Oct 6, 2017

Heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield and Cobb County leaders will soon announce an effort to curb youth violence in the area.

Holyfield will discuss his “Knuckles Up, Guns Down” campaign benefiting the Boys and Girls Club and other organizations during a news conference Monday. The program targets crime and gang violence among today’s youth, according to a press release.

Cobb Sheriff Neil Warren, District Attorney Vic Reynolds and Solicitor Barry Morgan are scheduled to join Holyfield during the 1 p.m. event.

MORE: Holyfield took memories of mother, career into Hall of Fame

MORE: Cobb promoter gets 10 years for leading large drug-trafficking ring

“You’re trying to get kids to put down the weapons,” Holyfield, 54, said in the press release. “If you are going to box and want to show you’re tough, that’s OK. Do it the right way.”

Holyfield, who the statement said “was raised in Atlanta’s projects,” will talk about how his campaign will work. Cobb officials will address the growing problem of gangs among suburban Atlanta children.

More information was not immediately available Friday.

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Becca J G Godwin
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