Norwich’s new heavyweight supporter Evander Holyfield is looking to help City floor Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa

Evander Holyfield in NCFC shirt Archant

A new Norwich City celebrity has stepped into the ring and is determined to show he is the “Real Deal” by helping to deliver a knock-out blow to Paul Lambert’s Aston Villa when they visit Carrow Road later this month.

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Four-time world heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield, pictured, is coming to Norwich for an Evening with... event at Dunston Hall on Saturday, September 21 which will take place a few hours after City have played Villa.

But ahead of the Premiership clash the boxing legend, who famously had part of his ear bitten off by Mike Tyson in their 1997 rematch, has announced himself as something of a Canaries’ fan by appearing in a City shirt.

And Neil Featherby, who owns Taverham-based Sportlink and is helping to promote the event which is being put on by long-time Norwich fan Carl Moore, said the star will be looking to let City’s opponents know whose corner he is in ahead of the game.

Mr Featherby said: “Holyfield will be in Norwich for a special dinner and function to commemorate his legendary boxing career at Dunston Hall just a few hours after the big match at Carrow Road and said he knows all about the Canaries’ exploits as he follows the Premiership back home in the United States. He said he will be happy to let Paul Lambert and his players know who he will be supporting when they arrive at the hotel destination where both parties will be staying prior to the game and dinner celebration!”

Mr Featherby said the away shirt worn by Holyfield was to be auctioned at the event but the boxer liked it so much he “won’t give it up” so they have had to get another one which will be signed by the former champ before the event.

Whether or not Holyfield can help City floor Villa remains to be seen but Mr Featherby said those going to the Evening with... Evander Holyfield event, which looks set to include some former Norwich City stars, are in for a knockout night.

He said: “The evening is to celebrate his boxing career. He’s doing a UK tour but from our perspective we’ve been lucky enough to get him in Norwich which is amazing without a doubt.

“He was undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and boxed Mike Tyson twice and beat him twice – the guy is a legend.”

Getting someone of Holyfield’s stature to come to Norwich is, said Mr Featherby, all thanks to promoter Mr Moore, who back in 2004/05 was instrumental in bringing Darren Huckerby to Norwich.

Mr Featherby said he would do “anything he can to bring the biggest names in sport to Norwich and Norfolk” and also had some big names lined up to appear in this part of the world next year.

Tickets for an Evening with Evander Holyfield, which starts from 7.30pm, range from £50 upwards and include a three-course meal. There will also be film footage, a question and answer session as well as a memorabilia auction.

For more information or tickets call Mr Featherby on 01603 868606 or Mr Moore on 07919026341 or alternatively email neil@sportlink.co.uk

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