BALAZS BOXING PRESS RELEASE

ALLENTOWN, PA; JULY 16, 1999 - These are just a few of over 120 different phrases uttered by a fortune telling heavy bag on display at the Lehmann Maupin Gallery in New York City. This interactive punching bag (a.k.a. SM ARTBOXer) is laced with touch sensors that activate an audio program that provides poetic statements on why one may want to strike the bag again and again.

And no matter how hard you hit it, the SM ARTBOXer will have you coming back for more. This transparent punching bag is composed of a new material, Levagel, that gives the punching bag a soft, human flesh-like feel. Levagel is a stable substance that exists between a solid and liquid state. The material morphs on contact up to 800%, yet maintains its memory, and almost instantly reverts back to its molded form. The SM ARTBOXer doesn't require boxing gloves when it is used as a sporting accessory!

What adds to the SM ARTBOXer's beauty is the Universal Boxing Stand from which it hangs. BALAZS INC., the market leader of commercial grade boxing equipment, donated one of its freestanding boxing stands to complete the project. The result is a strikingly original collaboration.

Within coming months, the SM ARTBOXer will be available to the most avid boxers and art enthusiasts. BALAZS INC. and the SM ARTBOXer designers will offer the creative boxing opponent as a limited edition product.

In the meantime, the Levagel exhibit is on display at the Lehmann Maupin Gallery (39 Greene Street, Soho, phone: 212-965-0753) until July 31st. BALAZS INC.'s gallery (www.BalazsBoxing.com) however, can be viewed indefinitely and never shuts the doors on its most curious visitors.

BALAZS INC. designs and manufactures boxing stands, while also offering a comprehensive array of workout accessories and apparel, from heavy bags and gloves to sweatpants and sports bras. So whether you decide to outfit a commercial gym or host a rare art exhibit in your home, Balazs has everything you need. Call toll free 888 466 6765 for a free catalog.

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