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NFL legendary tight end Rob Gronkowski is set to make his boxing debut in a Lights Out XF bout against former NFL Pro Bowler Shawne Merriman. The fight was announced by Merriman and is slated to take place at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank on May 6, 2023.
This bout will likely see loads of fireworks, as the former NFL ballers are known to pack a punch. Moreover, Rob Gronkowski has already started a bit of trash-talking, as he tweeted the announcement saying,
"It's a shame I have to teach you what your “catch phrase” really means 💡 🌚."
Who is Rob Gronkowski fighting in his boxing debut?
Rob Gronkowski will be coming up against former San Diego Chargers and Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman better known as "Lights Out." Merriman was a distinguished linebacker in his eight-year NFL career, winning some individual accolades.
Former LB was drafted by the Chargers with the 12th pick of the 2005 NFL Draft, and he quickly became a vital component of the franchise. Merriman won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in his first season with the Chargers, and earned first-team All-Pro honors to go with it. His second season with the Chargers was just as successful, with him earning first-team All-Pro nods and an appearance in the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl game. He also finished as the league's sack leader for the season. Unfortunately, that was Merriman's peak, as he only made one more Pro Bowl in his career.
Shawne Merriman was remarkably injury-prone for the rest of his NFL career, suffering posterior cruciate ligament damage, lateral collateral ligament damage, foot injuries, and calf injuries, among other health issues. He announced his retirement on March 5, 2013, ending what was once a promising but ultimately sad NFL career. In April 2019, Merriman announced that he is starting his own MMA promotion, Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, which is expected to have its inaugural event on May 11, 2019. His company is hosting a celebrity fight between him and Gronkowski.
Is this Rob Gronkowski's first foray into the world of fighting?
No, this isn't Rob Gronkowski's first appearance in the fighting game. The four-time Super Bowl winner hosted WrestleMania 36 in 2020 and won the WWE 24/7 championship. Hence, it should not be surprising to see Gronk participate in combat sports after his second retirement from football.
Gronk is living his best life, as he was spotted just a few days ago on a beach having fun with Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, and a few others.
