What did running back Le’Veon Bell say about his NFL, boxing careers?
Le’Veon Bell, 30, takes on fellow running back Adrian Peterson in an exhibition boxing match at LA’s Crypto.com Arena at the end of July.
Once one of the most explosive running backs in the NFL, Le’Veon Bell’s career has been in a state of steady decline - and the former Steelers, Jets, Chiefs, Ravens and Bucs player has no plans to be involved in football in 2022, with his focus currently on boxing.
“I’m ready to showcase what I’m about”
Speaking at a press conference to promote his upcoming exhibition boxing match against fellow running back Adrian Peterson, Bell said: “Last year, I almost sat out the whole year to try to focus on boxing because I kind of knew that was what I wanted to transition to.
“This year, I know I’m not going to be playing this year because I want to focus on boxing. So, this transition for me has kind of been like, I guess, another opportunity for me. I’m just ready to showcase what I’m about.”
Bell to face Peterson at ‘No More Talk’ this month
Bell takes on Peterson on 30 July, as part of the ‘No More Talk’ boxing event at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena. Also on the fight card is a clash between YouTubers Austin McBroom and AnEson Gib, and a bout between ex-NBA player Nick Young, alias ‘Swaggy P’, and the rapper Blueface.
Looking ahead to his fight against Peterson, which the ‘No More Talk’ organisers have dubbed the ‘Battle of the Running Backs’, Bell said: “This is not just a one-off. This is, I guess like my introduction to kind of show what I’ll be doing and how I’ll be going about myself. Just an intro.”
The 30-year-old didn’t rule out retiring altogether from the NFL to take up boxing full-time. “This is something that I definitely can see myself doing going forward as well, just depending on how things kind of play out for me,” he told reporters.
Challenged Jake Paul to boxing bout
Bell has previously challenged YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul to a boxing match, tweeting in December 2021: “I’m tired of watching him out box ppl who don’t even wanna box…if he wanna boxing match, a real one, he’d fight me…period, stop fightin small dudes who can’t box”.
However, Paul rebuffed the invitation, citing the football player’s lack of experience in the ring.