Former Sheffield United, Leeds United man braced for “ultimate challenge” after surprise career shift
A second former Sheffield United and Leeds United player will swap his boots for boxing gloves later this year to continue raising vital funds for UK charities. The inaugural ‘Night to Remember’ event last October raised more than £127,000 for good causes.
That event saw ex-Blades and Leeds favourite Paddy Kenny don a different kind of gloves to fight former Derby County defender Curtis Davies, losing via first-round knockout. And he will be followed into the ring in April by a former Lane teammate, in defender Matthew Kilgallon.
Kilgallon will face former Leeds, Fulham and Aston Villa striker Ross McCormack on the Night to Remember II card at Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel on April 17 this year. "I’m a huge boxing fan and have always had the utmost respect for boxers,” Kilgallon said.
“To be offered the opportunity of the ultimate challenge, to push my body, feel that adrenaline I’ve missed since retiring, all while raising money for some absolutely incredible causes, it was something I simply couldn’t say no to. All the best trying to find a gum shield that fits me!"
Former Sheffield United, Leeds United man braced for “ultimate challenge” after surprise career shift
McCormack added: “I am excited and delighted to be involved in this incredible event. I am looking forward to the training, getting back in a routine, having some structure back for the next 12 weeks and reconnecting with lads I played with and against.
“It’s also an opportunity for me to help others, get fit and experience being in the ring for what will be a once in a lifetime opportunity and something I’ve always wanted to do.”
Elsewhere on the card Scottish forward Chris Iwelumo will face Swansea City legend Lee Trundle while former Wolves and Nigeria goalkeeper Carl Ikeme faces off against ex-defender Bradley Orr. Former Rotherham United and Barnsley man Adam Hammill is also involved on the evening.
The events are the brainchild of the promotion company founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack, with the aim of raising more than £120,000 on the night to benefit Children's Charity Merseyside and Autism Merseyside.
Stack said: "The city will be bouncing during the Merseyside derby weekend, and I can't wait to showcase 10 ex-professional footballers battling it out once again in the ring. This event will have a mixture of Scouse boxers and other northern-based fighters. We'll have some of this country's best ever boxers in attendance, including Tony Bellew, The Smith Brothers, David Price, and Natasha Jonas.
“Johnny Nelson will host a boxing Q&A and judge the bouts alongside Steve Bunce, with Ian Saint John refereeing. Plus, a football Q&A with our ambassador and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher alongside Everton legend Francis Jeffers. Our goal is to raise in excess of £120,000 and get closer to our £500,000 target!"
For more information, ticket details, and the latest updates on the full card, visit www.proprojectpromotions.com.
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