Promoter Vladimir Hryunov has brought former undisputed heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield to Russia to take part in numerous events with the press, amateurs and local boxing fans.

"I am very glad that I came to Russia to support the young boxers and I am glad to be here today in this beautiful mall," Holyfield said. "My mother told me to try to be a champion in everything that I do. With these words I never wavered. Now I bring to you her parting words, believe in yourself and always strive for your goal no matter what . A mother is never wrong."

Holyfield will be a special ringside guest when middleweight Dmitry Chudinov and Patrick Nielsen trade punches on June 1 for the interim-WBA crown at the Arena Mytishchi in Mytishchi, Russia.