A charity boxing event featuring 10 retired professional footballers has raised £127,500 for four causes.

The funds were split between Helping Hands (£25,500), Playskill (£25,500), The Willow Foundation (£51,000) and Sport in Mind (£25,500), which support the Royal Free charities.

Professional project promotionFounded by former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack, the first event was held on 18 October 2025 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair. Boxing News YouTube Channel.

Former footballers who have long since hung up their boots and laced up their gloves are Curtis Davies, Paddy Kenny, Leroy Lita, David Noble, Anthony Gardner, Lee Trundle, Greg Halford, Marvin Elliott, Jody Morris and David Bentley.

Pro Project Promotions CEO Stack paid tribute to the participants and thanked several former professional boxers who supported the event.

“It’s really inspiring to see former elite footballers step into the ring and step out of their comfort zones for this cause.

“We couldn’t have done this without the huge support from the wider boxing community, including former world champions Roy Jones Jr, Michael Watson, George Groves, Darren Buck, John Ryder and David Haye.

“I am extremely grateful to the sporting and media communities for their support in helping me realize this dream.”

Former Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies defeated ex-Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny in their first heavyweight clash. Davis, 40, reflected on the experience and its impact.

“I do a lot of different things for charity but did I ever think boxing would be one of them… absolutely not! It has had a huge personal impact on myself and the team.

“As retired former professional football players, we all still aspire to that goal. This event gave me that goal.”

Two more events have been confirmed for 2026, starting at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool on 17 April before returning to Grosvenor House in London on 16 September. Stark now hopes to reach his target of raising £500,000 for charity.