Two footballers who once topped the English game — and both served time behind bars — are stepping into the ring together for a cause bigger than either of them. Nile Ranger and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas will headline Pro Project Promotions’ A Night to Remember III on 22nd October, in what’s being billed as one of sport’s most powerful redemption stories.
The full seven-fight card has now been confirmed, and it’s stacked with recognisable football names all trading boots for boxing gloves in aid of charity.
What’s Confirmed for A Night to Remember III
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Event | Nile Ranger vs Jay Emmanuel-Thomas |
| Date | Thursday 22nd October 2026 |
| Venue | Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, Mayfair, London |
| Fundraising Target | £500,000 (debut year) |
| Raised So Far | Over £201,500 across first two events |
| Broadcast | Live worldwide on Sports.com |
The chief support bout is a genuine North London derby, with Arsenal’s Armand Traore facing off against Tottenham’s Sebastien Bassong — bragging rights settled the hard way, in the ring rather than on the pitch.
Battle of the Bad Boys: The Story Behind the Main Event
Both headliners have walked difficult paths back into public life. Emmanuel-Thomas served time for his role in a cannabis smuggling plot, while Ranger was jailed for online banking fraud. Pro Project Promotions founder Graham Stack explained the fight wasn’t his idea to engineer — both men specifically asked to face each other, driven by their own history and desire to prove they’ve changed.
Emmanuel-Thomas spoke about the deeper purpose behind stepping into the ring, describing it as a chance to give back to families who may not have had the same opportunities he did. There’s also a built-in incentive for both fighters: whoever loses must personally donate £500 straight to charity.
The Rest of the Card
Five further bouts round out the night, each pairing footballers with contrasting in-ring styles inspired by how they played the game — from Lee Cook’s elusive footwork against Martin Woods’ relentless pressure, to Anthony Gardner’s composed power against Matthew Briggs’ underdog heart.
For background on the sport these ex-footballers are now embracing, boxing has a long history of crossover athletes stepping into the ring for charity and redemption stories alike.
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