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our-time WBA heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield visited Oriental Saturday afternoon and helped celebrate the official opening of Don Turner’s Coastal Corner Deli at the Oriental Harbor Marina.

The ribbon cutting

The two go back 11 years when Holyfield says he began training with Turner. “I realized I needed someone with a lot of knowledge.” For one of his championship fights, he says he came to Turner’s boxing training camp in Arapahoe. The collaboration has worked. Holyfield has gone on to win four championships.

At the Coastal Corner Deli Saturday, Don Turner told the crowd that he was glad that Holyfield had chosen him as his trainer. "Without him," said Turner, "I wouldn’t have all this." He mentioned the new Coastal Corner Deli and several other restaurants he has opened since his success with Holyfield.

Holyfield & Turner

The boxer then cut a magenta ribbon stretched in front of the doorway. Once inside, Turner showed Holyfield the framed photos and press clippings on the walls of the deli.

Dozens of area residents followed them in, and stepped forward to have their photos taken and to ask questions of the champ. He told them he was now weighing 210 pounds and hoped to have another match in October.

A Holyfield signed t-shirt

In his autographs, Holyfield signed his name and below it added "Phil 4:13", a reference to the New Testament Philippians verse, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

The passage may be familiar to Holyfield’s fans, as much as the phrase, "The Real Deal" has been used to describe him. At the Coastal Corner, Star Turner, Don’s nephew, says the Real Deal Reuben is served, made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island dressing, Swiss cheese and grilled on rye.

Joey Molosky and Adam Balfour meet The Champ

Oriental Mayor Sherrill Styron with Evander Holyfield

Signatures and meeting folks on the deck

Posted Sunday April 6, 2003 by Keith N. Smith