Honolulu Gym Sports Majestic Mural of UFC Champion Max Holloway
A visual tribute to UFC champion Max Holloway now adorns the wall of Tactical Strength and Conditioning in Honolulu. The awe-inspiring 12-foot-tall mural, depicting Holloway in a triumphant roar, was meticulously crafted by renowned local artist Tehrell Porter.
"It really pushed me to reach another level of my craftsmanship," Porter shared, reflecting on the project.
The mural captures Holloway’s signature celebratory pose after his knockout victory against Justin Gaethje in April, securing the UFC BMF title. The intricate details, particularly the reproduction of Holloway’s tattoos, highlight Porter’s exceptional artistic talent.
"It was serendipity that this piece ended up on the wall of a gym Holloway calls home," Porter remarked. He had approached numerous gyms across the island without success, but Tactical Strength and Conditioning embraced his vision.
Porter is no stranger to creating captivating murals. He has gained national recognition for his strikingly realistic paintings of late basketball legend Kobe Bryant. Seven of these iconic tributes grace walls across Oahu.
Recently, Porter elevated his art to new heights, painting a vibrant mural of Bill Walton, a basketball Hall of Famer, directly on a backboard. He even took the board to the Maui Invitational, where Walton himself had provided commentary, showcasing the piece for the world to admire.
Porter’s artistic prowess extends beyond the realm of sports. He has crafted large-scale 3D portraits of influential figures, whimsical cartoon characters like those from Dragon Ball Z, and even playful depictions of animals, like the enormous whale swimming across the wall at Ala Moana’s Teapresso shop.
His journey as an artist began during his childhood in Wahiawa, where his aunt, a nature enthusiast, inspired him to draw by exposing him to the captivating visuals of National Geographic magazines. As a young boy, drawing animals ignited a passion that continues to drive his artistic expressions today.
Now recognized for his larger-than-life murals, Porter is currently seeking a suitable location for his eighth Kobe Bryant mural on Oahu. He also aims to pay homage to basketball icon Allen Iverson with a mural depicting the legendary “step-over” moment against Tyronn Lue during the 2001 NBA Finals.
For Porter, capturing Holloway’s triumphant roar in a mural that now overlooks his training grounds holds a special significance.
“Until he finds the time to beautify another area of the island, Porter says his favorite portrait (for now) is his tribute to Holloway.”
## honolulu Gym Honors Local Hero: An Interview wiht Muralist Tehrell Porter
**world Today News.com: Tehrell, thanks for taking the time to speak with us about your amazing artwork adorning Tactical Strength and Conditioning. Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind this mural?**
**Tehrell Porter:** Absolutely! The inspiration was simple: to celebrate Max holloway, a true Hawaiian hero. He’s not just a UFC champion; he embodies the spirit and resilience of our islands. When Tactical Strength and Conditioning approached me with this idea, I knew I had to capture that essence – that fighting spirit, that undeniable pride – in the portrait.
**World Today News.com: And you certainly achieved that. The mural is absolutely stunning.Can you walk us through the process of creating such a large-scale piece?**
**Tehrell Porter:** It was a real challenge, but one I thoroughly enjoyed. first, I poured over photos and videos of Max, looking for the perfect image to capture his essence. I wanted something that conveyed both power and grace. Onc I found it, I sketched out the design on canvas, carefully transferring the proportions to the wall at Tactical Strength. it took several days, working with specialized paints that would withstand the elements, but seeing it come together was truly rewarding.
**World Today News.com: The mural is striking in its realism. Did Max see the finished piece? What was his reaction?**
**Tehrell Porter:** Max was blown away! He visited the gym shortly after I finished and he was truly humbled. He saeid it was an honor to be depicted in such a powerful way and thanked me for capturing his spirit. That meant the world to me.
**World Today News.com: This mural isn’t just a stunning piece of art; it’s also a symbol of local pride. What message do you hope it sends to the community?**
**Tehrell Porter:** I hope it inspires young Hawaiians, especially those in the realm of sports. Max’s journey proves that anything is possible with dedication and hard work. He’s a shining example of what we can achieve when we embrace our heritage and strive for greatness.
**World Today News.com: Tehrell, thank you so much for your time and for sharing your talent with our community.**
**Tehrell Porter:** Mahalo!
**[include images of Tehrell Porter working on the mural and the finished mural itself.]**
