Another Ex-NBA Star To Try Boxing Against Refrigerator-Sized Former NFL Player

Deron Williams, a three-time All-Star who last played in the NBA in 2017, is making a return--but in the boxing ring.

The 37-year-old will be in a celebrity-type of a boxing match, taking on former NFL running back Frank Gore on December 18 in Tampa, Florida, ESPN reported.

It will be the official pro-boxing debut of Williams and Gore with a 215-pound catchweight and set for four rounds.

Williams has long been fascinated with combat sports and has been training in mixed martial arts for the last three years.

He is a part-owner of an MMA gym in Dallas, the same place where he will prepare for Gore under the watch of coach Sayif Saud.

However, Williams may have his work cut out for him especially since this is a boxing match.

Gore has been training in boxing for years and passed up chances to make an NFL return to focus on the combat sport.

Moreover, Gore is managed by Malki Kawa of First Round Management.

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

On paper, the 38-year-old appears to hold some leverage over Williams.

That stocky built of Gore could be hard to come by, but the 6-foot-3 Williams has some physical advantage as well.

The native of West Virginia has a longer reach that could make it difficult for Gore to land his attacks.

Hence, it may all boil down to who has the better endurance when the two athletes get in the ring on December 18.

A potential Williams vs. Gore boxing match was first teased by Shams Charania of The Athletic last November 5.