Ex-EFL star Ross McCormack endures horror boxing debut after suffering first round knockout

Ex-Leeds and Fulham striker Ross McCormack suffered a brutal first-round defeat on his boxing debut.

The 39-year-old Scot, who also enjoyed spells with Aston Villa and Rangers during his playing days, laced up his gloves in a charity boxing match against former Leeds teammate Matt Kilgallon.

Getty

Getty

The fight was a part of the ‘A Night to Remember’ card put on in Liverpool on Friday night by Pro Project Promotions and shown live on talkSPORT.

Pro Project is ran by ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack with the boxing events staged to raise money for charity.

Friday’s event in Liverpool saw a host of former football stars swap the pitch for the boxing ring.

Among the fights on show was former Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo taking on ex-Swansea hitman Lee Trundle.

Quick work

But it was McCormack vs Kilgallon that stole the show – although it proved to be a flash in the pan.

Both fighters showed intent in the early exchanges with some wild swings thrown at each other.

McCormack then appeared to gain the upper hand but fell foul to a jab from McCormack that quickly evened things up.

The Scot responded with a big right hand that failed to land before Kilgallon responded with a brutal left hook that sent McCormack to the canvas.

McCormack was given the opportunity to continue but failed to answer the referee’s count. Handing a first-round victory to the Englishman.

The pair enjoyed a warm embrace after the fight as Kilgallon took home bragging rights.

Speaking to The Sun last month, McCormack revealed details of his gruelling training regime in the lead up to the fight.

The final striker claimed he has become ‘addicted’ to his training regime and was looking forward to testing himself in the ring.

Also on the card was Ex-Dunfermline and St Mirren star Adam Hammill and Motherwell midfielder Steve Jenning.

Former Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme also featured on the night.

talkSPORT