Former heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield has arrived in Lagos State to participate in activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary.

Holyfield, who will slug it out with the National leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, in a charity fight, announced the donation of $3m worth of health equipment to Lagos State government upon his arrival.

He announced the donation when Governor Akinwunmi Ambode received him at the Government House in Alausa, a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Habib Aruna, said.

The four-time world heavyweight champion said he was in the country to give back to society.

He also recalled his earlier challenges in the ring, and how his mother encouraged him not to quit after he suffered defeats early in his career.

“I became the person I am because I listened, I followed direction and I did not quit even when I lost. In giving back to the society, I am here to say I got a Real Deal Promotion. We are looking for young fighters who want to listen and follow instruction,” he said.

“This is about giving back to the society. I want kids to learn from me how I became four-time heavyweight champion.”

Governor Ambode praised the boxer for his exploits, describing him as the greatest living boxer.

The governor also described the visit as historic, adding that it would showcase sports as a catalyst for growth.

He said, “This is an exciting and historic moment for us coming at a time Lagos is celebrating 50 years of its establishment and we want to say a big thank you to Holyfield for collaborating with us to put this as part of events marking the Golden Jubilee anniversary of Lagos State.

“We believe strongly that in all sectors that we have tried to celebrate Lagos, this is one momentous topic that we really mean to celebrate.

“As a government, we have always wanted to use sports as a way of driving our economy and there is no way we can showcase sports as the catalyst for economic growth than bringing somebody who is a champion; a revered person and for him to use his God-given talent and resources to promote sports in our State.”

The governor promised to partner with Holyfield’s foundation, which nurtures young boxers to ensure it achieves its objectives.

He stressed the need for the development of boxing in the country, saying, “On the other side, boxing should now be on the front burner of sports in Nigeria, especially now that a Nigerian, Anthony Joshua, recently won as the unified world heavyweight champion.”