

In a classic NBA vs NFL matchup, Deron Williams took on Frank Gore. The former professional athletes decided to take their skills into the boxing ring. Both have also claimed that they have been practicing boxing or MMA for a long time.
The four-round exhibition fight at the heavyweight limit took place on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley 2 event. Deron Williams came into the fight with a significant height and reach advantage.
Deron Williams pushed Frank Gore out of the ring 😳 pic.twitter.com/02kf1UtdeC
— ESPN (@espn) December 19, 2021
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Williams established his jab early on and looked like the more confident fighter. Gore, on the other hand, had trouble closing the distance because of Williams’ jab and leg movement.
In the second round of the fight, both fighters caught each other with good punches that stunned the other. Then the match turned into an MMA event, as they started pushing each other inside the ring. The fight took a turn as both boxers got more rough and physical.
Deron Williams wins the exhibition against Frank Gore #PaulWoodley2 pic.twitter.com/i8m57eGskD
— OWO (@owotweets_) December 19, 2021
Although both fighters looked gassed, Williams looked like he was in better shape. The tempo of the fight slowed down in the third and fourth rounds as both fighters looked for that one knockout punch.
Also read: Liam Paro Maintains His Undefeated Record After a Razor Thin Split Decision Win Over Yomar Alamo
In the end, Deron Williams edged out Gore to secure a split decision win over the former NFL running back. The judges scored the bout 38-37 Williams, 38-3 Gore, and 40-35 Williams.
Deron Williams announces his retirement after his boxing debut
Following his four-round slugfest against Frank Gore, Ariel Helwani asked Deron Williams what he thought of his performance. “I’m going to go sit my old dumb a** down somewhere and let the professionals do their sh**,” Williams said.
“Uhh, honestly, I probably look terrible out there. I feel like my last five sparring sessions I was on point. My head wasn’t coming up. As soon as you get out here and you start getting touched, it’s a whole different, all your training goes out the window so.”
"I'm going to go sit my old ass down somewhere."@DeronWilliams 🤣#WilliamsGore #PaulWoodley pic.twitter.com/p3EvmOMM8d
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) December 19, 2021
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“It was fun. I’m glad I had a chance to get out here and do it. But like I thought coming into this, I’m one and done.”
Watch this story: Jake Pauls Intense Training Routine For His Rematch Against Tyron Woodley
Although Williams is hanging up his gloves, this fight can pave the way for more NBA vs NFL style fights to end the debate of which sport has the better athletes.
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As of now, it is NBA -1, NFL – 0. What were your thoughts on the fight?
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