Ten former professional footballers, including ex-Yeovil Town captain Carl Dickinson, are set to trade their football boots for boxing gloves in a stellar charity event later this year. ‘A Night to Remember II,’ hosted by Pro Project Promotions, will take place on Friday, April 17 at the Titanic Hotel, coinciding with the vibrant Merseyside derby weekend.
Building on the success of their inaugural event, which raised over £127,500, the organisers aim to surpass last year’s figure and edge closer to a £500,000 total. The proceeds will benefit Children’s Charity Merseyside and Autism Merseyside.
Founded by former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack, Pro Project Promotions is dedicated to bringing together retired athletes, offering them new challenges and avenues to give back. The organisation supports ex-professionals as they navigate life after sport, promoting physical and mental well-being through purpose-driven activities.
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The event features a thrilling lineup of boxing matches pitting former football stars against one another. Highlights include:
- Lee Trundle facing Chris Iwelumo
- Bradley Orr versus Carl Ikeme, a former Wolves goalkeeper who beat acute leukaemia
- An all-Scouse bout between Adam Hammill and former Tranmere Rovers captain Steven Jennings
- Ross McCormack fighting Matthew Kilgallon
- Ryan Cresswell taking on Carl Dickinson
Carl Dickinson shared his enthusiasm, saying, “This challenge pushes me outside my comfort zone physically and mentally. I’m excited about the training, meeting the guys, and most importantly, raising money for these incredible causes.”
The evening will also feature appearances from esteemed boxing figures such as world champion Natasha Jonas, the renowned Smith Brothers, former British heavyweight champion David Price, and Tony Bellew. Johnny Nelson will host a boxing Q&A and serve as a judge, alongside Steve Bunce, with Ian Saint John refereeing the bouts.
Additionally, football fans can look forward to a Q&A session with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher and Everton icon Francis Jeffers.
David Price commended the event’s cause, noting, “What they’re doing is fantastic, supporting charities close to many people’s hearts, making this event even more special.” Natasha Jonas emphasized the importance of purpose for retired athletes, remarking, “Transitioning after retirement is daunting, but here they find meaning by competing and raising funds for charity.”
‘A Night to Remember II’ promises an exciting night of sport, camaraderie, and philanthropy, uniting former football stars in the fight for worthy causes.