Matt Thacker
For many professional athletes, retirement, or even stepping away from the regular rhythm of competition can leave a noticeable gap. The structure, the training, the constant drive towards a goal suddenly changes.
That’s where Pro Project Promotions comes in.
Created as a platform for former professionals from a range of sporting backgrounds, it brings athletes together to take part in events that raise funds and awareness for charities and organisations in need of support. But beyond the fundraising, the concept taps into something many ex-athletes miss – the challenge of preparing, competing and pushing themselves again.
Those months without training schedules, matchdays or a clear target can be difficult, both physically and mentally. Events like these offer something familiar, a new goal, a renewed focus and the chance to step back into a competitive environment.
Only this time, the arena isn’t a football pitch. Instead, several well-known names from the game will swap boots for gloves and step into the boxing ring, each with their own reasons for taking part, their own preparation stories and their own motivations for fight night.
I caught up with three of the players, Bradley Orr, Lee Trundle and Ross McCormack. I started with Bradley, talking about the challenges ahead, the training that’s involved and why this event means so much.
Bradley Orr
Pro Project Promotions is a concept that immediately appealed to Orr.
“For me, it’s the challenge,” he told me. “I need a goal. If I’ve got a goal in mind, I’ll work hard for it. I’ve been working three months solid for this and having that target really helps.”
The charity aspect played a big role in his decision to step into the ring, but Orr admits the preparation has been tough – though in many ways it reminds him of something he used to enjoy during his playing days.
“I used to love pre-season because you knew the season was coming and that was the goal. This is similar. Everything is building towards fight night.”
Of course, boxing is very different from football, where matches can come thick and fast across a season.
“In football you’re playing twice a week sometimes, so the focus is completely different. This is one night, one moment, and you’ve got to be ready for it. That means you can’t skip sessions, you can’t be lazy, you can’t miss meals – you’ve got to stay regimented.”
Training has pushed him in ways he expected and some he didn’t.
“The training is tough, really tough. Gruelling at times. We’ve been doing track work where you’re properly under pressure. But the biggest thing for me has been the breathing. When you’re in there, you tense up, your body stiffens and it’s actually hard to breathe properly. Learning how to relax and breathe while you’re boxing is something I’m still working on.”
Motivation hasn’t been hard to find.
“What keeps me going is knowing my friends and family will be there. I’ve got a lot going to watch, so that’s another reason why I can’t and won’t skip a session. It’s hard, but I’m enjoying it and loving it.”
Orr has always had an interest in boxing, helped by friendships with fighters like David Price and the Smith brothers – Liam Smith, Callum Smith and their family, and has travelled around the world to watch them compete. Their dedication has given him a real appreciation of what it takes.
He even pointed to one moment that stuck with him.
“Liam Smith couldn’t even spar properly in the build-up to fighting Canelo, the biggest fight of his life. That’s mad, but it shows the level of focus you need.”
In fact, Orr has even stopped playing padel during the training period to avoid picking up an injury before fight night.
When it comes to his opponent, though, there’s no interest in pre-fight trash talk. Orr has nothing but respect for Carl Ikeme, who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2017.
“He’s already had the biggest fight of his life,” Orr said. “So I know he’s not going to be worried or scared getting into the ring with me. I probably need to find a way to dislike him before the fight, but I think I’ll struggle with that. We’ll definitely have a beer after.”
For now, the focus remains firmly on the goal he set months ago – fight night.
Lee Trundle
Like many involved in Pro Project Promotions, the opportunity to take on a completely new challenge, while supporting a good cause, immediately appealed to Lee.
A lifelong boxing fan, the connection between football and the fight game was an easy one to make.
“I’ve always been a boxing fan,” he said. “It’s huge in Liverpool and some of my friends are boxers as well.”
For Trundle, the decision was made easier by the level playing field the event provides.
“I wanted to give it a go because I knew all the footballers taking part would be on the same level. Boxing is about levels, so it was important for me to start with people at a similar stage.”
Having only first put on gloves in September 2025, it’s still a new experience, but one he has quickly embraced.
“That was the first time I ever put the gloves on, and I absolutely loved it.”
That excitement is matched by a strong respect for both the sport and his opponent.
“He’s had a couple of fights already, so it’s an even playing field and a good challenge. I respect him a lot. We’ve played against each other and done bits of promotion together. The hardest thing is getting in the ring. I’ve got respect for everyone who does it.”
Any expectation of pre-fight needle, however, is quickly dismissed.
“There’s no trash talk from me. We’ll have a beer together after.”
Even the traditional face-off felt slightly out of place.
“It was hard to keep a straight face at the Swansea stadium face-off,” he admitted. “It’s a different mindset. We’re not really selling a fight like that. There’s no bad blood.”
Known throughout his career for flair and creativity, regularly featuring on Soccer AM’s Showboat segment alongside the likes of Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi – Trundle was asked whether any of that style might translate into the ring.
The answer was immediate.
“No, definitely not flashy anymore, especially not in the ring,” he laughed. “I’m not at a level to be doing the Ali shuffle.”
If anything, the experience has given him a new appreciation for the realities of boxing.
“I didn’t actually mind getting punched in the face,” he said. “It’s about not being scared to get hit, being prepared for it. It’s like doing skills on a football pitch and not expecting someone to kick you.”
The biggest takeaway, though, has come through the training itself.
“I’ve loved it. I’ve loved learning something new every day, that’s what’s kept me hooked.”
And with that has come a deeper understanding of what fighters go through.
“My respect was already high, but it’s gone to another level now. In my first fight I felt done after about a minute and a half. Now when I watch boxing, I understand what they’re going through.”
Ross McCormack
For Ross, the transition from football to boxing has brought with it something familiar; structure, routine and a reason to push himself again.
Training camp, he admits, has been demanding, but also something he has genuinely enjoyed.
“It’s tough, but I’ve enjoyed it,” he said. “Other than football, it’s probably my favourite sport.”
Stepping into the ring, however, has given him a completely new perspective.
“It takes some guts to get in there. Doing it myself, you realise how hard it actually is. The pros and the trainers are on a completely different level.”
Like others involved, the reality of boxing quickly becomes clear once the punches start landing.
“I actually didn’t mind getting hit for the first time,” he said. “When you get hit, it feels real. When people say you don’t play boxing, I completely understand that now.”
It’s an experience that has left him wondering why he didn’t take it up sooner.
“It’s made me think, why didn’t I give this a go earlier? I wish I had, mainly because of how it makes you feel.”
Since stepping away from football, that feeling has been important.
“This is the thing I’ve most wanted to get out of bed for. It’s given me a routine again, a bit of structure.”
Mentally, the switch back into competition mode is something he’s confident will come naturally.
“It’ll be like crossing the white line in football. I’ll know how to switch on. You can keep relationships separate once you’re in that mindset.”
Even away from the ring, that competitive edge remains.
Speaking about Scotland’s ambitions on the international stage, he added: “I just want them to have a go. No regrets, just go for it.”
As for the fight night itself, McCormack is honest about the unknowns that still lie ahead.
“I’ve got no idea, to be honest. I’m dreading the walk-in – do I dance? Do I bounce on my toes? It’s all a bit unknown.”
But perspective remains key.
“It’s for charity at the end of the day. We’ll have a good scrap… and then a nice cold drink after.”
Pressed for a prediction, he couldn’t resist ending on a lighter note.
“A cold Carling about three minutes after the fight,” he laughed.
Fast Five
Lee Trundle
• Dream Opponent: Jake Paul (for the money!)
• Favourite Boxer: Mike Tyson
• Walkout Song: “A few of my mates are DJs – they’re sorting me a mix!”
• Footballer Built to Be a Boxer: Erling Haaland
• Boxer Built to Be a Footballer: Callum Smith
Bradley Orr
• Dream Opponent: Another footballer from a previous Pro Project card
• Favourite Boxer: Oleksandr Usyk
• Walkout Song: Undecided
• Footballer Built to Be a Boxer: Virgil van Dijk
• Boxer Built to Be a Footballer: Oleksandr Usyk
Ross McCormack
• Dream Opponent: Joey Essex or a Love Islander!!
• Favourite Boxer: Kell Brook
• Walkout Song: “Got a couple in mind… keeping it a surprise.”
• Footballer Built to Be a Boxer: Michail Antonio / Adama Traoré
• Boxer Built to Be a Footballer: Ben Whittaker
Tickets for the Pro Project Promotions event this weekend can be bought via here – www.eventbrite.com/e/a-night-to-remember-ii-tickets
