[Gallery] Bernard Hopkins Champions Healthcare Awarness at ‘Art of Boxing’ Showcase

Before Amir Khan’s forced nap at the T-Mobile Arena last Saturday, select media and boxing royalty were treated to “The Art of Boxing,” a Bernard Hopkins hosted event celebrating art and free healthcare for uninsured boxers.

The posh event was held at the Hakkasan Lounge and featured critically acclaimed visual artists from across the country. Brent Estabrook, who counts Basquiat and Rembrandt as influences, had one of my favorite pieces in his oil on canvas rendition of Muhammad Ali

The largest pieces were courtesy of Philly based multi-media artist Ivben Taqiy, and NYC-based multi-media duo UR New York. Both delivered unique takes on a pillar of boxing training — the heavy bag. Taqiy crafted a vibrant acrylic on wood piece dedicated to Ali, while UR New York added a childhood staple, Campbell’s Soup, to give their piece a humorous flair.

In addition to host Bernard Hopkins, the boxing community was well-represented. Former rival Roy Jones, Leon Spinks, Kevin Kelly and Eddie Mustafa Muhammad came out to support. Nine pieces were available for purchase ranging in price from $1,000-$10,000. All proceeds were matched in free dental care of insured boxers, trainers and other professionals in need from the boxing community.

The Art of Boxing was presented in conjunction with the Smile Design Gallery. For more information on the gallery’s philanthropic efforts, visit smiledesigngallery.com.

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: Dr. Lee Gause introduces the auction during Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: A general view of atmosphere during Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: Malik Chambers, (L-R) Grady Spivey, Dr. Lee Gause and Bernard Hopkins attend Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: A general view of atmosphere during Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: A general view of atmosphere during Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: A general view of atmosphere during Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: A general view of atmosphere during Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: A general view of atmosphere during Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: A general view of atmosphere during Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: Mustafa Muhammad (L-R) Grady Spivey and Dr. Lee Gause attend Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: Brenda Spinks and Leon Spinks arrive at Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: Kevin Kelley (L) and Bernard Hopkins arrive at Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: Mustafa Muhammad, (L-R) Leon Spinks and Kevin Kelley arrive at Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: Jewell Sun and Michael Schiavone arrive at Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”

“LAS VEGAS, NV – MAY 06: Jim Lampley and Debra Schuss arrive at Smile Design Gallery’s “The Art of Boxing” event at Hakkasan Las Vegas Restaurant and Nightclub at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino May 6, 2016 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Isaac Brekken/Getty Images for Smile Design Gallery)”