AN ABERCARN artist proved a knock-out when he painted former undisputed world champion Evander Holyfield on Monday.

Patrick J Kiilian travelled to Slough to paint the heavyweight boxer in person, having already painted Mike Tyson several times.

Mr Holyfield, known as ‘The Real Deal’ after becoming world champion at both cruiserweight and heavyweight levels, signed two paintings by Mr Killian. One was sold to a private collector and the other will be auctioned at a later date.

Mr Killian said: "Evander loved the work, saying, "Wow, that’s me! You've caught my look before the fight."

“It was great to meet him and he had some prints off me which he was really pleased with.

“We had a little laugh and a joke. He’s a really approachable guy and a really good person. He does a lot of work for charity. When he spoke about his career, he was saying a lot about his mother telling him “Never give up.” His mother told him, “You might not be very big but you’ve got a big heart” and he always remembered that.”

Mr Killian painted Mr Holyfield live at The Centre in Slough, where the boxing legend also held a Q&A session and auctioned memorabilia.

Local artist Mr Killian was a promising boxer himself before he gave up the sport to become a full-time artist. He grew up in Cwmcarn and boxed for the town’s club, competing internationally and winning an amateur title in 1997. He now lives and works at his home and studio in Westend, Abercarn.

Original works by Mr Killian sell from £400 to over £1000.

Mr Killian’s work will be on show at the 6 Artists/6 Visions exhibition in Cardiff at the Gate Arts Centre in Roath, Cardiff, until October 11.