PATRICE EVRA has given the first glimpse into training ahead of his boxing debut.
The Manchester United legend is confirmed for a shock celebrity bout at the O2 Arena on Saturday, April 30.
Patrice Evra has given the first glimpse into training ahead of his boxing debut
Patrice Evra is confirmed for a shock celebrity bout at the O2 Arena on Saturday, April 30
And the man welcoming him to the ring is social media influencer Adam Saleh, who is also known as a boxer on the YouTube circuit.
Evra, 40, posted a video online which showed him hitting pads, skipping and shadow boxing.
He captioned the footage: “Massive respect to all the boxer around the world.
“I’m coming into the boxing world with humility, respect & excitement for the sport ! Ready to learn.”
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Evra specifically selected Saleh as his opponent – but was warned he chose wrong.
Saleh, 28, told SunSport: “They showed like four or five opponents to Patrice Evra and I was one of them.
“Him and his PR team chose me, and they made a mistake. He’s starting his boxing career – but I’m about to end his boxing career.
“They truly believe that he can knock me out, that’s what they told me through the phone, ‘Are you ready for Patrice Evra to knock you out’.
“But you know, I’m just happy and grateful to share the ring with a football legend from Manchester United, who was team-mates with Cristiano Ronaldo.”
Saleh claimed to have had an unbeaten 14-0 record in the amateurs until he was booted out aged 16 for street fighting.
The American, who has a record of two wins and one draw in exhibition bouts, was contacted by newly-formed promotion BoxStar to face Evra.
And after less than two weeks of talks, and an NDA to keep negotiations quiet, the New Yorker was picked for the surprise fight.
Saleh said: “I was up for it, I would love to share the ring with the legend and teach him a lesson to never step foot in the boxing ring with me again.
“I’m going to have no mercy.”
Boxing legend Prince Naseem Hamed and Adam Saleh
