Former professional footballer Ross McCormack has suffered a devastating first-round knockout defeat in his highly anticipated boxing debut. The 39-year-old Scot, who retired from playing in 2024, stepped into the squared circle for the first time but was unable to make it past the opening round.
A Night To Remember II Ends Quickly for McCormack
The bout took place at A Night To Remember II, an event organised by Pro Project Promotions. McCormack faced his former Leeds United teammate Matt Kilgallon in what many expected to be a competitive contest. However, the fight ended abruptly when Kilgallon evaded a looping right hand from McCormack and countered with a powerful left hook that sent the debutant to the canvas.
Quick Finish and Sportsmanship Displayed
McCormack was left slumped in the corner of the ring and failed to beat the referee's count, resulting in a knockout victory for Kilgallon. Despite the brutal nature of the defeat, McCormack recovered quickly and embraced his opponent in a show of sportsmanship immediately after the fight. Kilgallon was officially declared the winner by knockout in what proved to be a disastrous debut for the former football star.
Charity Event Features Other Football Names
The charity boxing event, organised by former Arsenal and Hibernian goalkeeper Graham Stack, featured several other recognisable football names. Lee Trundle defeated ex-Scotland striker Chris Iwelumo in Liverpool, while other participants included Adam Hammill, former Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, and retired midfielder Steve Jennings. The event raised thousands of pounds for charitable causes, with all proceeds going to support various charities.
McCormack's Illustrious Football Career
Despite his disappointing boxing debut, McCormack enjoyed a superb professional football career spanning 14 different clubs. The former striker made 13 appearances for the Scottish national team and is best remembered for his impressive spells at Leeds United and Fulham between 2010 and 2016. During his time at Leeds, he scored 53 goals in 144 matches before securing an £11 million move to Fulham, where he netted 38 times in 89 games.
His career later included an unsuccessful switch to Aston Villa and several loan spells, including a prolific period with Melbourne City in Australia. McCormack eventually spent time in non-league football before ending his playing career with Doncaster Rovers in 2024. While his boxing debut may not have gone as planned, his football legacy remains intact as one of Scotland's most accomplished strikers of his generation.
