TAMPA, Fla. — The boxing match between former NBA All-Star guard Deron Williams and star NFL running back Frank Gore was switched Friday to an exhibition inexplicably by the Florida State Boxing Commission.
Make no mistake, though. It was a legitimate — and entertaining — fight.
Williams defeated Gore via split decision (38-37, 37-38, 40-35) on Saturday night on the Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley undercard here at Amalie Arena. On Thursday at the prefight press conference, Williams said NBA players have the stigma of being soft. He disproved that alleged stigma against Gore with a gritty performance.
The bout was contested at 215 pounds over four rounds with 12-ounce gloves. The commission ruled it an exhibition Friday when it was originally scheduled to be a pro fight. The bout will not go on either man’s pro boxing records.
Williams and Gore were respectful with each other all week. But things got heated in the ring. At one point in the second round, both men shoved each other through the ropes. Gore had to be checked by the ringside physician after falling to the apron, but he was able to continue.
The 6-foot-3 Williams used his reach advantage well throughout, especially in the first round where he showed a solid jab and right hand. Gore might have landed the harder shots overall. But the judges felt Williams was the slicker boxer in more rounds. Both men, though, were competent given their lack of experience in the ring.
Williams, 37, is a former three-time NBA All Star. He has not played in the league since 2017. Williams has been training in mixed martial arts for years and is a part owner of Fortis MMA in Dallas. Gore, 38, was the big crowd favorite. The Miami native played in the NFL last year and actually turned down offers to play this year to give boxing a try.
