[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 182 (Tuesday, December 15, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1796-E1797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN RECOGNITION OF LARRY HOLMES ON THE OCCASION OF THE UNVEILING OF THE 
              LARRY HOLMES STATUE IN EASTON, PENNSYLVANIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 15, 2015

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Larry Holmes, who 
reigned as World Boxing Council Heavyweight Champion from 1978 to 1983, 
and who will be honored with the installment of a bronze statue 
depicting the Champ about to strike a punch. His accomplishments not 
only made the City of Easton known nationally, they also inspired 
others to strive to be their best, to be a champ.
  The statue unveiling held on Sunday, December 13 commenced with a 
Championship Parade that began on 3rd Street in front of the new Easton 
City Hall and continued onto the Drive named in the Champ's honor and 
down to the statue's location in Scott Park on the confluence of the 
Delaware and Lehigh Rivers.
  ``The Easton Assassin'' grew up in the projects. At the age of 13, he 
dropped out of school to support his family. At the age of 19, he 
started boxing and pursued a legendary career. His left jab is rated 
among the best in boxing history. An impressive 44 of his 69 wins were 
from knockouts. Holmes was inducted into the International Boxing Hall 
of Fame in 2008.
  Larry Holmes is not just a champ for his boxing; he is a champ for 
his service to the community. After retiring from boxing, Holmes became 
a businessman and invested in his hometown. He is noted to have 
employed more than 200 people through his various business holdings at 
one time including Larry Holmes Enterprises, a real estate and property 
management company; two restaurants; a training facility; and an office 
complex. Over the years, he has been a role model for young fighters, 
and he has supported various charities and youth groups throughout the 
Lehigh Valley, in particular the Easton Area Community Center (EACC), 
which used to be known as St. Anthony's Youth Center--the place where 
he first learned to box. Later, and thanks to Holmes, the EACC's annual 
fundraiser became well-known as an event attended by boxing champions. 
Holmes can often be seen at community events and performing with his 
band.
  It is an honor for me to recognize Larry Holmes. He has been a good 
son to Easton. Through this statue, visitors for generations will see 
the heart of a legend.

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