Ex-Dons loanee set for his in-ring debut against former Newcastle striker
Various footballers will be stepping into the ring for charity
Former MK Dons loanee Jay Emmanuel-Thomas will step into the boxing ring next month to take on fellow ex-footballer Nile Ranger.
Emmanuel-Thomas made four appearances for Dons in 2016 on loan from Queen’s Park Rangers, but has had a turbulent few years off the pitch, including spending almost a year in prison on smuggling drug charges.
Subsequently signing for Brighton-based Isthmian League Premier Division side Whitehawk, the 35-year-old is set for his in-ring debut as he laces up his gloves for charity as part of A Night To Remember III.
The event, which has previously raised in excess of £200,000, will see seven bouts on the night, pitching former footballers against each other in the name of fundraising for various charities.
Emmanuel-Thomas will take on another Isthmian League Premier Division player Ranger, who made his name at Newcastle United. Ranger, also 35, plays for AFC Whyteleafe and like Emmanuel-Thomas, has spent time in prison after his fall down the footballing pyramid.
”When I got the phone call it was something that I can put my sole focus into and obviously understanding it’s for a charity and for a great cause,” Emmanuel-Thomas said. “We’ve all lived good lives and had the finer things in life but some of these kids they might not be able to get to that point in life but if we can raise money which would help even add a few years on to their lives to be with their families.
“I think it will be a great thing that we can help put together, if all of us coming together to get in the ring and to fight one another would help a child and a family do such a thing then I’ve got no reason to not get in the ring over and over again.”
Emmanuel-Thomas, added that there is an extra incentive for the fighters, with the loser required to make a charitable donation: “There’s a forfeit for the loser, £500 straight to charity, straight to the charity and not to anyone's pocket.”
Other fights on the card include Armand Traore vs Sebastien Bassong, Lee Cook vs Martin Woods, Simon Cox vs David Norris, Harlee Dean vs Leroy Lita, Gary Madine vs Jamie Sendles-White and Anthony Gardner vs Matthew Briggs.
The event will take place on Thursday October 22 at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, Mayfair, London. For more information, visit Pro Project Promotions