Ex-Premier League Star Needed Oxygen After Being Knocked Out by Fellow Pro in Boxing Match

Two former Premier League stars faced off in the boxing ring for charity and one required oxygen after being knocked down.

Curtis Davies retired from professional football last year after a career spanning some 20 years.

In that time, the central defender played in the Premier League for the likes of Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Birmingham City and Hull City, before spending the latter part of his playing days with Derby County and finally a campaign with Cheltenham Town in League One.

Davies, 40, also became an international during the closing days of his playing career after earning three caps for Sierra Leone, whom he was eligible to represent due to having a Sierra Leonean father.

Paddy Kenny, 47, is a ex-Republic of Ireland international goalkeeper and is also a former top flight player.

He played for Sheffield United and Queen's Park Rangers in the Premier League, representing the latter being the season when Manchester City won the title in 2012 through Sergio Aguero's dramatic last-minute 3-2 winner.

Kenny last played back in 2018 for non-league side Maltby Main.

Now, both former top flight stars have met in the boxing ring for a good cause at an event organised by former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack.

A total of 10 ex-pros fought at the Grosvenor Hotel in Mayfair with proceeds going to four different charities including Playskill, Willow Foundation, Helping Hands and Sport In Mind.

The event took place last night and ended with Davies coming out on top against Kenny in just one round.

Davies struck Kenny with a right hand and the former goalkeeper was knocked down to the canvas, which led to referee and ex-boxing star Wayne Alexander calling the fight to an end.

Davies reacts to 'bittersweet' win

It led to Kenny needing oxygen after the was fight was stopped, as Davies showed concern for his opponent after his victory and admitted the win was 'bittersweet'.

As per The Sun, Davies said: "The game plan was to stick to the jab and try and keep him at range because he’s a shorter guy than me, probably not as quick on his feet as me but he's a big, powerful guy.

"I wanted to be the one to get the first shot and if I’m honest the first shot took his soul.

"First shot I caught him with my right hand took his soul and when I knew it was over. It should have been stopped a good 30 seconds before it was.

"Really pleased, I've worked hard for this, it’s bittersweet, I love Paddy to bits, I didn't want to have to knock him about but that's what we’re here to do. It's all for charity, yes, but I enjoyed that win."