The children at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital enjoyed a knockout visit from former world heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne. The Haitian-Canadian professional boxer and former WBC Heavyweight champion had the opportunity to tour the hospital’s high tech facilities and spend time with patients at the Neurology Department.

Part of the nationally recognized Nicklaus Children’s Brain Institute, the Division of Pediatric Neurology provides comprehensive diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of a wide range of neurological disorders in children at the hospital's main campus and selected outpatient facilities throughout South Florida. Neurology & Neurosurgery subspecialty program is ranked among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Patients were flexing their muscles for the champ and posing for photos. While Stiverne has spent years fighting in the ring, he was overwhelmed with emotion from the illnesses the patients fight everyday.  “It was really inspiring to see these courageous and brave kids and families. As boxers, we chose to fight, but these incredible children are the real champions,” said Stiverne.

Stiverne has won 25 out of his 28 fights. He was born in Haiti and grew up in Miami. He is passionate about giving back to his community and giving back to the children of South Florida.