Following a lackluster loss in his last bout, former running back Le’Veon Bell will return to the ring next month for the third time in his career.
Misfits Boxing CEO KSI announced Saturday that Bell has agreed to fight YouTube personality “JMX,” also known as Joel Morris, at Misfits Boxing 6 on April 21. While the venue is yet to be determined, the event will occur in New Orleans.
The longtime Steeler is 1-1 in boxing matches but 0-1 as a professional. JMX is 4-0 to start his boxing career, knocking out TikToker Ginty at Misfits Boxing 2 in his last match this past October.
“I’m ready. I’m excited about it,” Bell said in a recent interview with Chris Ridgway for Misfits Boxing’s YouTube channel. “I can’t wait really to go in there and dance around with my guy [JMX], and we’ll see what happens. I’m excited to put on a show.”
Bell made his amateur boxing debut in September 2022, facing fellow ex-NFL RB Adrian Peterson at Social Gloves 2. Bell defeated Peterson via TKO in the fifth round.
After the Peterson fight, Bell challenged former NBA point guard Deron Williams to a fight on the Jake Paul-Anderson Silva undercard, which was taking place the following month. Williams defeated 16-year NFL veteran Frank Gore by split decision on the undercard of Paul’s December 2021 rematch against former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley.
Despite his request, Bell didn’t get the chance to fight the three-time All-Star. Instead, he made his professional boxing debut against retired UFC fighter Uriah Hall on the Paul-Silva undercard. Bell struggled throughout the match, suffering a four-round unanimous decision loss.
April’s fight will offer an excellent opportunity for Bell to continue improving his boxing skills. Perhaps Bell will step up his game if he takes the victory and faces off with a seasoned professional boxer in the future.
Before his fight with Hall, Bell told ESPN that he doesn’t box as a “hobby” and aspires to be a champion one day. Another match likely signals the end of his football career and affirms his commitment to his latest profession.
The 31-year-old played parts of eight seasons in the NFL, recording 9,843 all-purpose yards and 51 touchdowns, earning three Pro Bowl selections. He last played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021.
