Boxing legend and four-time heavy weight champion Evander Holyfield will headline a fundraising event promoting an anti-drug message for area youth.

Holyfield will be the special guest speaker for the Carlos Vieira Foundation’s 4th Annual Gloves Not Drugs Boxing Show.

The Gloves Not Drugs Boxing program provides at-risk kids in Livingston, Atwater, Delhi and Planada a safe place to go after school and learn the sport of boxing. In partnership with the Merced County Sheriff’s Activities League, the program is designed to keep kids off the streets, out of gangs and away from drugs. Participants also learn about discipline, teamwork, sportsmanship, responsibility, good nutrition, and are provided with the opportunity to set their own personal goals and the resources to achieve them.

The program is open to students between the ages of 8 and 18 years. They must keep a C average in school to participate in the free boxing program. The Foundation and the Sheriff’s Activities League hopes to expand the program to additional cities.

Every year, the participants get to put their talent on display alongside other kids from boxing clubs from all over the state at the Gloves Not Drugs Boxing Show in Livingston. Because it's a USA Boxing sanctioned event the results are officially tabulated, creating a competitive day of boxing.

Holyfield will offer an opening announcement at the event, watch the bouts, and then provide fans with a photo meet and greet opportunity.

The Carlos Vieira Foundation began has a charitable organization helping families with autistic children. Its mission has expanded to include an anti-drug effort and helping children diagnosed with cancer.

The boxing show will take place at the Livingston High School Gym on March 12. Doors open at 1 p.m. and the competition starts at 2 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased at the foundation's website, www.carlosvieirafoundation.org.

The event is being sponsored by 51FIFTY Energy Drink.