By Reggie Luna: All-time great NFL running back Frank Gore (1-0, 1 KO) will once again step inside the professional boxing ring this Saturday, December 3, at the historic Freeman Coliseum in San Antonio, Texas.
The 39-year-old, future Hall of Famer will be featured in the main event of a stacked 11-bout fight card against South Texas-based heavyweight Joshua Romero (0-2). The highly anticipated event will be presented by TMB Promotions and distributed by FITE TV/Triller; available for purchase through the attached link for a one-time cost of $24.99:
The heavyweight main event is scheduled for 4 rounds and will be Gore’s second bout in less than 7 months.
The five-time Pro-Bowler doesn’t know how far he’ll take his newfound career in boxing but admits that he’s enjoyed the journey thus far.
“I do it because I love it. I know I don’t have to do it. But I feel like I’m in great shape still and I love to compete,” states the NFL’s third-ranked all-time leading rusher. “I love the challenge. Boxing is serious and extremely hard. I take my hat off to any devoted fighter who does this for a living.”
Although the gridiron legend will be competing as a Heavyweight this weekend, the 5’9″ prizefighter believes his future may lie within the Cruiserweight division.
“I realize how big this era of the Heavyweights division is, and I think after this fight I’ll work towards competing under 200 pounds. Of course, I’ll talk about it with Coach Marty after this fight. But I think I can fight under 200 pounds.”
Gore went back to long-time trainer Marty Monroe after a disappointing performance against NBA All-Star Deron Williams in a December 2021 exhibition match in which the former Miami Hurricane standout dropped a split decision verdict.
“I just wasn’t prepared. I was training with Coach Javiel Centeno at the time, and he’s a good coach. But he was getting Xander Zayas and George Kambosos ready for their respective fights at the time and didn’t really make me a priority. I understand why, and still have great respect for him. But I knew I needed someone who would be able to devote more time to me in preparation for future fights.”
“Coach Marty taught me the difference between merely training in the gym and really preparing for a prizefight. It’s like night and day.”
In his first professional bout, which took place in Biloxi, Mississippi on May 14th of this year, the 39-year-old fighter viciously and impressively KO’d Olaseyinde Olorunsola in the final seconds of the fourth round, sending him face-first to the canvas with a short, compact right hook.
The humble 16-year NFL pro admitted that he felt much improved with one full camp, sparring three times each week.
“I felt more relaxed and much sharper. Coach Marty was happy with the improvement and I feel like I’ve gotten even better during this camp. I’ve been sparring with young undefeated Heavyweight Lorenzo Medina, who will also be featured on the December 3rd card in San Antonio. He’s been pushing me in the gym, and I feel that everyone will be able to see the improvement on Saturday.”
Frank Gore invites all boxing fans to see how much he’s improved this Saturday night, as he takes on Romero in San Antonio, Texas.
“If they’ve only seen my exhibition with Deron Williams, they’ll be pleasantly surprised with my improved skills and able to see how hard I’ve been working all year.”