Sources told ESPN that Adrian Peterson and Levin Bell have signed a contract for the Heavyweight Boxing Show on July 30 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
The former all-pro running back will both compete in the boxing ring for the first time, but since this is a show, the fight will not officially mark their pro boxing debut.
The deal continues the trend of big-time players and social media stars entering boxing.
Frank Gore, the second All-Pro running back, met NBA All-Star Darron Williams at Jake Paul-Tyrone Woodley 2’s December Undercard show. Gore made his professional debut in May with a fourth-round knockout.
Peterson and Bell will meet on the undercard of Social Gloves 2, an event promoted by YouTube star Austin McBroom. McBroom will fight against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib in the main event. Rapper Blueface faced former NBA player Nick Young on the undercard.
Peterson, 37, is a former MVP who is ranked 5th on the NFL’s career running yard list.
Currently a free agent, Peterson played four games last season, splitting time between the Tennessee Titans and the Seattle Seahawks. He plans to eventually retire as a member of the Minnesota Vikings.
Bell, 30, is also a free agent. He played five games last season (five with the Baltimore Ravens and three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers). He is best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.