Former New York Jets running back Frank Gore set to take it to the ring
Last December, Frank Gore was the starting running back for the New York Jets. This December, Gore will make his first appearance in the professional boxing ring.
On Dec. 18, Gore take on 3-time NBA All-Star Deron Williams. The fight will be featured on the undercard of the Jake Paul vs. Tommy Fury event at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, it was announced Tuesday.
3x NBA All-Star @DeronWilliams and legendary RB @frankgore join the #PaulFury undercard. #PaulFury #SerranoGutiérrez #WilliamsGore 12.18 on @Showtime PPV 💥 pic.twitter.com/6eQDIH3Nth
— SHOWTIME Boxing (@ShowtimeBoxing) November 9, 2021
Former #49ers RB Frank Gore is gearing up to potentially fight former NBA All Star Deron Williams in December pic.twitter.com/A6W37s3K57
— Sterling Bennett (@49ers_Access) November 5, 2021
At 37 years old, Gore was swiftly tossed into the starting role with the Jets after the release of Le’Veon Bell. Gore amassed 742 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns in 15 games. He wasn’t all that effective, averaging only 3.5 yards per attempt on 187 rushes, but he was one of the team’s main weapons.
After not being signed in the 2021 offseason, fans thought Gore was in a good spot to retire from professional sports following his 16 year NFL career. He instead opted to chase his aspirations of being a pro boxer.
Williams has been retired from basketball since 2017 when he last played for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost in the NBA Finals that season. The 6-foot-3, 37-year old has also never participated in a professional boxing match.
With that being said, Williams does have some experience in the fighting world. Prior to entering high school, he won two Texas state titles in wrestling. Williams also co-owns Fortis MMA, a mixed martial arts gym where he has had the chance to spar against UFC fighters.
Gore has trained in boxing as a method to help his football game in the past, but fresh off a non-football season, he has really just started taking it seriously in 2021. According to Gore himself, he had a chance to return to the NFL in 2021 but opted to focus on boxing and getting a fight scheduled.
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As previously stated, Williams stands at 6-foot-3. Gore, on the other hand, stands at 5-foot-9. In a sport that revolves so much around length and size, six whole inches puts Gore at a distinct advantage.
Also, the fighters are contractually required to be under 215 pounds at the weigh-in. Both in their late 30’s, Williams and Gore are looking to make a name for themselves in a new profession.
If you are interested in watching former Jet Frank Gore box it out on the ropes with an NBA legend in Deron Williams, the fight will be held on SHOWTIME pay-per-view just a week before Christmas.
