Former Blackpool FC striker Nile Ranger will fight fellow ex-professional footballer Jay Emmanuel-Thomas for a £500,000 purse in a charity boxing match. The event, organised by Pro Project Promotions, takes place on Thursday, 22nd October at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.
Ranger spent two seasons with Blackpool between 2014 and 2016. His opponent, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, was previously involved in a £600,000 cannabis smuggling operation. Both men have criminal convictions, with Ranger having been found guilty of online banking fraud.
Another former Blackpool player, Gary Madine, is also scheduled to compete on the same night. Madine will face Jamie Sendles-White in a separate bout. The inclusion of multiple ex-Tangerines adds a distinct Seasiders flavour to the high-profile boxing event.
Graham Stack, the Founder of Pro Project Promotions, explained the motivation behind the event. "Giving ex-footballers an opportunity," Stack said. The promotion aims to provide a platform for former professionals in a new sporting arena.
Nile Ranger made his intentions clear ahead of the lucrative showdown. "I'm talking the talk and I walk the walk sometimes," the ex-striker stated. The substantial prize money shows the serious nature of the contest between the two former athletes.
This off-field news comes as the current Blackpool squad prepares for its next League One fixture. The team sits 3rd in the table with 7 points from 4 games, recording 2 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss. Their recent form reads LWWD.
Manager Neil Critchley's side has scored 8 goals while conceding 4, giving them a +4 goal difference early in the campaign. They trail league leaders Huddersfield Town by just 3 points in what looks set to be a tight title race. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page.
The focus now shifts to the immediate challenge. Blackpool's next match is an away trip to face Reading, who are 14th, on September 5th. Supporters can view the full schedule on our fixtures page. The team will be looking to build on their solid start and close the gap at the top.
