What will happen when two football players face off inside a boxing ring? We will find out soon, as Adrian Peterson and Le’Veon Bell will be trading in their helmets for boxing gloves.
The two running backs will fight one another on September 10. Inside Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, the fight will be the co-main event under Austin McBroom vs. AnEsonGib.
Peterson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2007. As a rookie, he set an NFL record for the most rushing yards in a single game (296). A seven-time Pro Bowler, Peterson tore his ACL and MCL in 2011. In 2012, he had a season to remember, rushing for 2,097 yards. He won the MVP Award in the process.
Peterson has since played for the Saints, Cardinals, Redskins, Lions, Titans, and Seahawks.
A second-round pick in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bell is a three-time Pro Bowler. Following five years in Pittsburgh, Bell refused to sign a franchise tag and did not report to Steelers camp or any subsequent games. Becoming a free agent, Bell played for the Jets before joining the Chiefs and then the Ravens.
MORE: Boxing’s top 25 under 25: Ranking the best young stars in 2022
In December 2021, Brown signed with the Buccaneers and played in three games. He was released in January 2022.
Will Bell or Peterson have their hands raised by the end of the night? The Sporting News is here to give some insight on how to bet on this fight.
Why are Adrian Peterson and Le’Veon Bell fighting?
Free agents, Bell and Peterson showed interest in competing in a boxing ring. Bell was the first to join the Social Gloves-produced card. Later on, Peterson was revealed to be his opponent.
Bell would tell ESPN that he can see himself boxing in more fights, not just against Peterson. It is something that interests him.
Peterson would like to return to football but will continue to wait until something comes up.
“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,” Peterson said, via Pro Football Talk. “But since I’ve started, this is something that I’ll continue to do. I’ll continue to stay in the ring, continue to practice, get my skills right because it’s a different ball game when you step in that square.
“Fortunately for me, I have some great guys around me that are experienced. My gym in Houston, we have a ring in there. We have a lot of guys sparring all the time, and I’ve had the opportunity in the past to get in there with those guys a couple times and here recently, obviously, getting ready for the fight. I’ve just been kind of grinding, so I might see this continue to do something going forward. So, even after this fight, I will still be on my same routine, waiting for that next opportunity to present itself.”
MORE: Boxing Schedule 2022: Date, division, location for upcoming fights
Odds for Adrian Peterson vs. Le’Veon Bell
BetOnline had Le’Veon Bell as the -175 favorite at one point, while Adrian Peterson was the +135 underdog.
DraftKings has Bell as the -155 favorite, with Peterson the +125 underdog.
Adrian Peterson vs. Le’Veon Bell prediction
An obvious fact about this fight is that both Peterson and Bell do not have any experience inside a boxing ring. While that may be the case, their experience in the NFL and as athletes can help their cause. Compared to anyone else on the Social Gloves fight card at least.
Something to look into is the age of the fighters. Peterson, 37, has suffered multiple injuries to the lower part of his body. The end result, however, was an MVP season in 2012. That was then, this is now. Bell, 30, may be the fresher man.
Two predictions for this fight? A lot of pain, and two tired athletes.
MORE: Latest details on Jake Paul vs. Anderson Silva rumblings
Frank Gore proved that football players can thrive in the ring. Check out his fight against Deron Williams for proof. As they are free agents, Peterson and Bell may be in tremendous shape. Whether that will mean a good performance is up in the air. While it may not end up being a pretty fight, the idea that the two will put on a respectable performance is not unbelievable.
As far as the actual bout goes? The fans will be on their feet the entire time, but will one of these two men? Either the fight will go the distance, or Bell will use his age and quickness to glide past Peterson. Will that be enough in a bout with more questions than answers? Bell may have the patience to pull off a win.
Sporting News prediction: Le’Veon Bell via split decision
When is Adrian Peterson vs. Le’Veon Bell?
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 10
- Undercard: 9 p.m. ET | 2:00 a.m. BST | 11 a.m. AEST
- Main event: 12 a.m. ET | 5 a.m. BST | 2 p.m. AEST (approximate)
Austin McBroom vs. AnEsonGib will take place on Sept. 10. The main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET | 2:00 a.m. BST | 11 a.m. AEST. McBroom and AnEsonGib should make their way to the ring around 12 a.m. ET, depending on how long the undercard fights last.
How to watch Adrian Peterson vs. Le’Veon Bell
Fans can watch Social Gloves: No More Talk on SocialGloves.tv, FITE.tv, and all pay-per-view formats.
Adrian Peterson vs. Le’Veon Bell PPV price: How much does the card cost?
You can purchase the event for $39.99 across all platforms.
Adrian Peterson vs. Le’Veon Bell fight card
- Austin McBroom vs. AnEsonGib
- Adrian Peterson vs. Le’Veon Bell – Battle of the Running Backs
- Swaggy P vs. TBA
- Landon McBroom vs. Adam Saleh – West Coast vs. East Coast
- Cory Wharton vs. Chase Demoor – Battle of the Reality Stars
Hits: 0
