Former NBA Star Deron Williams to Fight Ex-NFL Star Frank Gore in Heavyweight Boxing Match

(Photo : Sarah Stier/Getty Images) EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - Frank Gore of the New York Jets warms up prior to their game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The stage is set for another celebrity boxing match with former NFL running back Frank Gore and ex-NBA point guard Deron Williams squaring off on December 18 in Tampa, Florida, as an undercard to the showdown between Jake Paul and Tommy Fury.

Gore and Williams to make pro boxing debuts

Gore and Williams will be making their professional boxing debuts in this fight, scheduled for four rounds and contracted at 215 pounds. Gore has wanted this fight for a long time, even declining the advances from several NFL teams this season to focus on his debut bout.

Gore is a known fan of the sweet science and has been undergoing boxing training for years. Gore's manager is Malki Kawa of First Round Management, who also represents several NFL players.

Gore last played in the NFL in 2020, starting 14 games for the New York Jets. His career is legendary, to say the least, with the 38-year-old racking up 16,000 yards rushing, the third-highest in league history. Gore, a five-time Pro Bowler, spent 16 seasons in the NFL and is the all-time leading rusher of the San Francisco 49ers.

Gore released a statement to promote his fight, saying, "I'm excited to be fighting on this card and can't wait to show the world what I've been working on. Boxing has me excited, and on December 18 expect fireworks!"

MMA fan Williams eager to show his skill on the boxing ring

His opponent, Deron Williams, is a longtime fan of combat sports as well and has been training in mixed martial arts for years. Williams, a state wrestling champion growing up, is a part-owner of the highly acclaimed Fortis MMA gym in Dallas, Texas. That will serve as Williams' training ground for this bout with coach Sayif Saud tasked to handle his preparations.

The 37-year-old has not played in the NBA since the 2016-17 season. Williams made a name for himself as a Utah Jazz and Brooklyn Nets player, where he became a three-time NBA All-Star.

Williams may not have won an NBA championship, but he did win back-to-back gold medals for the United States men's national team in the 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics. Williams did MMA once his basketball career was over.

Williams also released a statement to announce his bout, saying, "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 that since 2015, he had the privilege of owning an MMA gym, and through that, he has trained in various martial arts to stay active. Williams added that the time has finally come for him to translate his training into a professional debut.