Dec. 18 will feature the pay-per-view fight we have all been waiting for: Frank Gore vs. Deron Williams.
Wait, what?
The former NBA point guard and ex-NFL running back will go toe-to-toe in the boxing ring next month as the undercard match for the Jake Paul-Tommy Fury fight in Tampa, Showtime Sports announced on Tuesday.
The bout will last four rounds and has a contracted weight limit of 215 pounds.
Gore, 38, is a five-time Pro Bowl running back who played with the 49ers, Colts, Dolphins, Bills and Jets. While not officially retired from the NFL, the 49ers’ all-time leading rusher was reportedly declining interest from teams earlier this year as he wanted to focus on a potential boxing career.
The 5-foot-9 running back has reportedly incorporated boxing in his training for years and hired longtime fight rep Malka Kawa of First Round Management as his manager.
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“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!”
Williams, 37, was a three-time All-Star with the Jazz and Nets and two-time Olympic gold medalist who retired from the NBA after the 2016-17 season.
He’s reportedly trained in mixed martial arts for years and is part-owner of the Fortis MMA gym in Dallas where he works out with coach Sayif Saud.
“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. 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.”
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