Kimbo Slice, who rose to fame through backyard brawls that went viral on the Internet, is finally set to make a comeback. This time, however, he's trying his hand at boxing.
The 37-year-old Internet fighting sensation-turned-MMA star will make his pro-boxing debut in mid-August in a four-round heavyweight bout against an opponent that's yet to be determined.
According to ESPN, his fight will be the main event of an untelevised card at Buffalo Run Casino in Miami, Oklahoma.
"Kimbo has been in Los Angeles area training for this for almost three months," promoter Gary Shaw told ESPN this week. "I don't know how far he can go, but I know he's very strong and powerful. I know the heavyweight division is weak at this moment in time, so it gives him an opportunity. He's never been in against top echelon boxers, so that story is still untold.
"But I know if he can't do this or he feels he is in over his head or outclassed, he'll call it a day. He will not make a fool of himself. He's too proud."
Slice (real name: Kevin Ferguson) previously expressed interest in the idea of an attempt at a boxing career, but it never came to fruition.
Shaw says he was still contemplating another run at MMA, but ultimately decided on boxing ... and has dedicated the last several months to training.
By now, most fight fans know Slice's story. He rose to fame through the Internet when his backyard brawls went viral. He parlayed his fame into an MMA career, and eventually became one of the sport's most recognizable faces despite his lack of professional experience.
He became the main draw in the now-defunct Elite XC promotion, and his rise was fast. However, things took a nose-dive when he was knocked out by a smaller, last minute replacement in just 14 seconds back in October 2008.
Slice then made a run at the UFC, participating in 2009's "The Ultimate Fighter," but lost his first fight on the show ... and was eventually was cut after a lopsided loss to newcomer Matt Mitrione at UFC 113.
His future was unknown until now.
"He's completely focused on his boxing career and excited to showcase his talents inside the squared circle," said Jared Shaw, Slice's adviser and Gary Shaw's son. "Kimbo Slice is hungry and when that man wants his bread, he's scary."
His boxing debut goes down on August 13th.
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