The rematch between Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley is receiving the majority of the press clippings. But there's another marquee attraction on Saturday's show as former NBA All-Star Deron Williams takes on former NFL Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore in what is now four-round heavyweight exhibition contest from the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Fla. Originally, the bout had been scheduled as a professional match
Williams is making his boxing debut. The 37-year-old is a former three-time NBA star and two-time Olympic gold medalist while playing for the Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Cleveland Cavaliers before retiring in 2017. "DWill" grew up as a wrestler before deciding to choose basketball. Williams has prepared at the gym he co-owns alongside trainer Sayif Saud at Fortis MMA in Dallas. Partaking in a boxing match is something Williams has always wanted to do. Now, he gets the opportunity against someone he truly respects.
“I got a call about doing a boxing match, and I always wanted to do a fight," Williams said in a press release. "At least once in my lifetime. I wanted to check that off the bucket list, and so here I am.
“Frank was a beast on the football field. I know he’s going to be tough. I know he’s going to be in shape. He’s always been regarded as a really hard worker in his sport. He’s taken the most snaps of any rusher in the NFL, which is a tremendous feat in itself. I know he’s been training and putting in the work. I think it’s going to be a fun fight to watch.”
Like Williams, Gore is also making his boxing debut. Gore is third on the NFL's all-time rushing list while playing for the San Francisco 49ers, Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills. Gore started boxing in 2006 as a way to stay in shape during his offseasons. To prepare for Williams, Gore trained under Javiel Centeno at Centeno’s Sweatbox Boxing Gym in Davie, Fla. He's put everything into this match and is excited to show the world his skills.
“I’m taking this seriously," Gore said. "I want to look good, and of course, I want to win. When the fight is over on Saturday night, I want people to say, ‘Man, whatever you put your mind into, you can do it.’ This is no joke; a lot of people would be scared to get in the ring and go one-on-one with another guy.
“I’ve been working my behind off. I respect my opponent. This sport is really tough, man. I take my hat off to all boxers out there. It’s not easy. A lot of people don’t understand what boxing takes. Training is no joke. In football you tent ten other guys. In football, you can hide behind other guys. In basketball you can hide. In this sport, you can’t."
Here is everything you need to know about Deron Williams vs. Frank Gore.
When is Deron Williams vs. Frank Gore, date, start time?
Date: Saturday, December 18
Main card: 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. GMT
Main event ringwalks (approx): 12 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. GMT
The main card is set to get underway at 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. GMT with the main event ringwalks scheduled for 12 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. GMT. These times are subject to change due to the length of the undercard bouts.
What channel/stream is Williams vs. Gore?
U.S.: Showtime PPV
UK: Fite TV
The fight will be broadcast on Showtime PPV in the US, while Fite TV has been named the UK broadcaster.
Where is the Deron Williams vs. Frank Gore fight?
The fight takes place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
Deron Williams record and bio
Nationality: American
Born: June 26, 1984
Height: 6-3
Reach: N/A
Total Fights: 0
Record: 0-0
Frank Gore record and bio
Nationality: American
Born: May 14, 1983
Height: 5-9
Reach: N/A
Total Fights: 0
Record: 0-0
Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley 2 fight card
- Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley; Cruiserweight
- Amanda Serrano vs. Miriam Gutierrez; Women's Lightweight
- Anthony Taylor vs. Chris Avila; Super Middleweight
- Deron Williams vs. Frank Gore; Heavyweight Exhibition
- J'Leon Love vs. Marcus Oliveira; Cruiserweight
- Liam Paro vs. Yomar Alamo; Super Lightweight