NEW YORK, New York, June 26, 2001 - Everlast Worldwide Inc. (NASDAQ:EVST), manufacturer, marketer and licensor of sporting goods and apparel today announced Everlast will provide customized merchandise for the World Championships of Wrestling to be held at Madison Square Garden September 26-29, 2001.    Everlast will supply items including t-shirts, hats and gym bags, to athletes, coaches, tournament officials, staff, VIPs and volunteers.  Additionally, an exclusive line of Everlast merchandise will be developed with the World Championships of Wrestling logo and sold at Madison Square Garden to spectators.               More than 600 competitors from nearly 60 countries are expected to participate in the event. The World Championships will feature Greco-Roman, freestyle and women's wrestling championship matches under one roof, and is expected to be the largest amateur event of its kind ever held.      "Everlast's support of the World Championships of Wrestling should remind everyone that New York is one of the greatest amateur sports cities as well as a great professional sports town,"  said Michael Carey, President of the New York City Economic Development Corporation, which was instrumental in facilitating the relationship.  "For nearly a century, Everlast has been the most storied and recognized name in a sport whose history has been intertwined with the life of New York City."    Gold medalist Rulon Gardner, who won the Greco-Roman heavyweight title at the 2000 Sydney Games, and six other Olympians earned spots on the U.S. World Championships team after qualifying this past weekend at the World Team Trials held in Cincinnati.     Daniel L. Doctoroff, President of NYC2012, said, "We are extremely pleased to have the support of Everlast, one of the most respected brands in sports."   He added, "New York has a history for hosting some of the biggest sporting events and with the cityíss large cultural diversity, every wrestler will have a built-in rooting section at the Garden."      Everlast Worldwide, which has a 90-year heritage in the South Bronx, has a rich tradition in cultivating sports in New York City.    George Q. Horowitz, chairman, president and CEO of Everlast Worldwide Inc. said, "As a long time member of the New York City sports scene, we are delighted to play a role in this event that will take place in the greatest sports capital in the world."          About Everlast Worldwide Inc.    Everlast Worldwide Inc. manufacturers, markets and licenses sporting goods and apparel products under the Everlast brand name.  Since 1910, Everlast has been the preeminent brand in the world of boxing and is among the most dominant brands in the overall sporting goods and apparel industries.  Over the past 90 years, Everlast products have become the "Choice of Champions,"  having been used for training and professional fights by many of the biggest names in sport.  Everlast is the market leader in nearly all of its product categories, responsible for leading eight of the top boxing equipment products in sales.    Through its Active Apparel Group Division, Everlast men's and women's active wear products are sold to over 20,000 retail locations throughout the United States and Canada, including a variety of department stores, specialty stores, catalog operations and better mass merchandisers.  In addition to producing and marketing the equipment and accessories, Everlast Worldwide Inc. licenses its brand to providers of meníss and womeníss sportswear and active wear, childreníss wear, footwear, watches, and cardiovascular exercise equipment and gym/duffel bags.  At the retail level, Everlastíss licensed products generate over $200 million in revenues.  The company's Web site can be found at http://www.everlast.com