The world of celebrity boxing has seen a surge in retired athletes from various sports stepping into the ring, adding a unique twist to the spectacle of entertainment boxing.
It has particularly grown in recent years.
Here’s a look at some of the most notable celebrity boxing matches between retired athletes that have taken place when the trend started gathering steam back in 2019 and after:
- Le’Veon Bell vs. Adrian Peterson (September 10, 2022): Two former NFL running back stars faced off in this highly anticipated showdown. Bell, known for his elusive moves on the football field, surprised many with his boxing prowess, securing a fifth-round KO victory over Peterson.
- Frank Gore vs. Deron Williams (December 18, 2021): This match featured a unique clash of sports, with former NFL running back Frank Gore taking on former NBA point guard Deron Williams. Williams defeated Gore by split decision.
- Chad Ochocinco vs. Brian Maxwell (June 6, 2021): Former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, known for his flamboyant personality, faced off against Brian Maxwell, a former MMA fighter, in an exhibition bout. Despite his lack of boxing experience, Ochocinco showcased his athleticism and held his own against Maxwell. The fight was not scored and last four rounds.
- Nate Robinson vs. Jake Paul (November 28, 2020): This fight gained viral notoriety due to Robinson’s brutal knockout loss in round 2 to Paul. The former NBA player’s foray into boxing was short-lived, but it highlighted the unpredictability and entertainment value of celebrity boxing matches.
- Paulie Malignaggi vs. Artem Lobov (June 22, 2019): This match was fueled by personal animosity between former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi and former UFC fighter Artem Lobov. Malignaggi, despite his boxing pedigree, struggled to adapt to the bare-knuckle format and lost by unanimous decision to Artem.
These celebrity boxing matches have captured the attention of fans worldwide, okay, offering a unique blend of athleticism, entertainment, and unpredictability.
Basically as retired athletes continue to trade their cleats and jerseys for boxing gloves, the trend of celebrity boxing is expected to continue growing.
Offering fans even more exciting matchups in the future.
These matches not only entertain but also raise questions about the legitimacy of celebrity boxing as a sport.
In some cases some real professional boxing matches do in fact happen.
In others they don’t.
While some argue that it’s a mere spectacle, others believe it provides a platform for retired athletes to showcase their skills and competitive spirit.
Regardless of the debate, one thing is clear: celebrity boxing matches have become a significant part of the sports and entertainment landscape.
Captivating audiences with their unique blend of athletic ability and showmanship.