Former NBA and NFL stars Deron Williams and Frank Gore are set to make their boxing debuts. The former veteran point guard and the running back have won many accolades in their respective fields. They will now look to translate their success inside the boxing ring.
On December 18, on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury fight, Gore and Williams will go head to head in a four-round professional fight at 215 lbs.
NBA veteran point guard Deron Williams will fight former NFL star running back Frank Gore in a boxing match on the Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury card Dec. 18 in Tampa, Florida
(via @marc_raimondi) pic.twitter.com/MExXWVOx8Q
— ESPN Ringside (@ESPNRingside) November 9, 2021
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Gore is an avid boxer and has been training in boxing for years. The free-agent also declined advances from several NFL teams to focus on his boxing debut.
“I’m excited to be fighting on this card and can’t wait to show the world what I’ve been working on,” Gore said in a statement. “Boxing has me excited, and on Dec. 18 expect fireworks!”
Also read: Jake Paul Recalls the First Time He Met Boxing Legend Mike Tyson
Williams, on the other hand, is a combat sports enthusiast who is a part-owner of the highly regarded Fortis MMA gym in Dallas where he will train for the bout.
“Combat sports have been a part of my life since my youngest days,” Williams said in a statement. “Before I was a basketball player, I was a wrestler.”
.@BMarshall has seen @frankgore in the gym first-hand 🥊 https://t.co/cjpyAEP9Ky
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) November 9, 2021
“Since 2015, I have had the privilege of owning an MMA gym, and through that I have trained in various martial arts to stay active. Over the last year, I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to translate my training into a professional debut.”
Frank Gore professional boxing debut
Five-time pro bowl selection Frank Gore will take on two-time Olympic gold medalist Deron Williams. Gore reportedly trains two hours a day, six days a week, and has used boxing as an offseason workout since he was drafted.
“I’ve been training for both — football and boxing,” Gore told NFL.com.
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Frank Gore vs Deron Williams
so a former NFL Player vs former NBA Player
all i know is FG better win. cause bragging rights for both leagues is on the line
— Blackie Hanzo ✭ (@All_Cake88) November 9, 2021
“I just fell in love with how hard it is,” Gore said. “I felt like, ‘Man, I couldn’t fight.’ And I always like a challenge. So I kept doing it and doing it and I saw myself getting better and better.”
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How do you think Frank Gore will fare in his professional boxing debut against Deron Williams? NBA or NFL? Who will win?
