In September, running back Frank Gore announced his intention to concentrate on a career as a boxer. Now his first fight is set: in December an ex-teammate of Dirk Nowitzki awaits him.

Munich – The time has come, on 18 December Frank Gore will step into the ring as a boxer for the first time.

The 38-year-old is one of the most successful running backs in the NFL and has the third most rushing yards in league history, but now his passion is for another sport.

Back in September, he told “NFL Network” that he was preparing for a possible continuation of his football career as well as for his debut as a boxer. However, the latter clearly took precedence.

Gore turned down NFL offers

After months of training, Gore will face former NBA star Deron Williams just before Christmas. The two boxing newcomers will contest a four-round fight on the undercard of the Jake Paul-Tommy Fury bout at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.

“I’m excited and can’t wait to show the world what I’ve been working on,” Gore said in a statement, “Boxing excites me and there will be fireworks on December 18.”

Gore was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005 and has since played for a total of five teams in the NFL. Most recently, he was active for the New York Jets. While the 38-year-old hasn’t officially retired as a running back, he turned down several offers this summer.

While Williams is also a boxing newcomer in his first fight, he will not be easy to beat. The former basketball player, who is a year younger, is taller than his opponent and also has more experience.

Williams former teammate of Dirk Nowitzki

“Martial arts have been a part of my life since I was young,” said the 37-year-old, who played with Dirk Nowitzki for the Dallas Mavericks from 2015 to 2017.

“Before I was a basketball player, I was a wrestler. Since 2015, I’ve had the privilege of owning an MMA gym, and through that I’ve been training in different combat sports to stay active,” Williams added: “Over the past year, I’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to turn my training into a professional debut. I will do that on December 18 against Frank, one of the most physically strong NFL players in history.”

Williams retired from the NBA in 2017. He has been voted an All-Star three times and is a two-time Olympian.