There will be a clash of top athletes in the boxing ring on Dec. 18. And neither is a prizefighter.
Three-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Deron Williams will take on Frank Gore, the NFL’s third-leading rusher, in a professional heavyweight boxing match that will take place on the undercard of Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury, Dec. 18 at AMALIE Arena in Tampa.
The four-round heavyweight bout will be contested with a 215-pound contractual limit as they make their professional boxing debuts.
“Combat sports have been a part of my life since my youngest days. Before I was a basketball player, I was a wrestler,” Williams said via press release.
“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. I’m making that happen on December 18 against Frank, one of the physically strongest NFL players in history.”
Gore has not officially retired from his football career.
“I’m excited to be fighting on this card and can’t wait to show the world what I’ve been working on,” said Gore, who has rushed for 16,000 yards. “Boxing has me excited, and on December 18 expect fireworks!”