Former Heavyweight Champ Larry Holmes to Speak at UMass Dartmouth Center for Marketing Research Celebrity/ Scholarship Dinner

Posted on | March 9, 2011 | 1 Comment

The Center for Marketing Research (CMR) at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth is proud to announce Heavyweight Champion, Larry Holmes will be the celebrity speaker at their 11th Annual Celebrity/ Scholarship Dinner on April 6, 2011 at the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea, MA.

Holmes held the WBC Heavyweight title from 1978 thru 1983, winning his first 48 fights. He defended his title 20 times against greats like Ken Norton, Muhammad Ali, Gerry Cooney, and Tim Witherspoon. Only Joe Lewis has defended more titles with 25 wins. Holmes is ranked as one of the greatest heavyweight     fighters of all time, and was inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2008.

Born in Cuthbert, Georgia, Holmes is one of twelve children. At the age of 5, Larry and his family moved to Easton, Pennsylvania where he would earn the nickname, “The Easton Assassin”. Holmes proved very early on he was a force to be reckoned with. He started his amateur career at age 19. His amateur career record includes 19 wins, and 3 losses. At the age of 22, Larry became the sparring partner for Muhammad Ali. Two years later, Holmes began his Professional Heavyweight career.

Holmes became an overnight sensation by winning fights like the one against Ken Norton on June 9, 1978. This fight showed Larry’s unyielding determination, and would prove him to be a true heavyweight champion. Through this fight, Holmes’ left jab would also become an iconic piece of boxing history, and an inspiration to fighters for years to come.

Very rarely would Holmes turn down a fight. His streak of 48 straight wins, and his seven and a half years with the title made him a “Champ” of the Heavyweight industry. Even when many thought Holmes should retire, he continued to box. Contenders included Mike Tyson, Ray Mercer, Evander Holyfield, Oliver McCall, Brian Nielson, and Maurice Harris. At an age when many fighters could not comprehend getting back in the ring, Larry continued and recaptured 2 more titles (Ring Heavyweight Championship and IBF).

This is an exceptional opportunity to get up close and personal with a true boxing legend.  There will be a separate VIP Reception, which allows attendees to meet and greet Holmes. There is a limit of 80 tickets for the VIP Reception which are $75.00 each and will be hosted at 5:00pm   immediately prior to the 6:00pm dinner at the Venus de Milo in Swansea. Guests will enjoy a full course dinner and will have the opportunity to hear Larry Holmes speak about his life and career experiences. Holmes will also be presenting the scholarship awards. Dinner tickets are $75.00 each. Pictures/posters will be available for purchase at both events.  There will be a silent auction of Holmes memorabilia at the dinner.

You can be a part of this unique event. Buy tickets for any sports fan, donate a scholarship and take the stage with Mr. Holmes as it is awarded, or purchase an ad in the keepsake program.  To purchase tickets, or obtain more information, please contact Ava Lescault by phone at 508-910-6435 or email to alescault@umassd.edu

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