Patrice Evra will be entering the ring next month as he takes his first steps into the world of boxing with a fight against Adam Saleh at the O2 Arena on April 30. The former France captain, 40, will fight on the undercard of Martyn Ford vs Sajad Gharibi with former Tottenham Hotspur and Wolves midfielder Jamie O'Hara also on the card, fighting Katie Price's ex-boyfriend Kris Boyson.
As reported by the Daily Star, the Manchester United legend has been keeping fit by boxing since calling time on his playing career back in 2019. He has been keen to test his skills and such an opportunity against social media personality Adam Saleh, who has fought before.
At 5"6" he is smaller than the 5"9" Evra, but his increased boxing experience as well as being 12 years younger makes this an interesting duel. Saleh has had three fights, beating unlicensed boxing journeyman Marcus Stephenson in 2019, before winning against prankster Anas ElShayib before a draw with TikToker Walid Sharks.
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Ahead of the fight, Evra said: "I'm really excited to participate for the first time ever in my life in a boxing match, because I always had so much respect for people boxing. It is not just about power and strength, it is also about strategy and technique — It's like a chess game.
"What I am the most excited for is the training technique, because the way they train is completely different to how football players train. I am really excited to work hard, to challenge myself, and to get out of my comfort zone."
When is Evra vs Saleh?
Evra and Saleh will meet on Saturday, April 30. The fight will get underway roughly 8pm on the undercard of Martyn Ford vs Sajad Gharibi.
What TV channel is the card on and can it be live streamed?
It has not yet been announced how the fight will be shown.
Who else is on the card?
- Martyn Ford vs Iranian Hulk
- Patrice Evra vs Adam Saleh
- Jamie O'Hara vs Kris Boyson
- Jack Fincham vs TBC
- James English vs TBC
- Jess Bays vs TBC
- Elijah Niko vs Keegan Hirst
- Theo Campbell vs Connagh Howard
- Brad Scott MMA vs Conan Barbaru
- AJ Bunker vs Carla Jade
- Ventour vs Jacques Fraser
- Frank London vs TBC
