Footage emerges of Paddy Kenny v Curtis Davies boxing match - ex-Sheffield United & QPR star got battered | OneFootball

A charity scrap between two EFL stalwarts did not end well for ex-Blades stopper Kenny...

In what will undoubtedly interest supporters throughout the EFL sphere, two Championship stalwarts in Curtis Davies and Paddy Kenny took to the ring in a charity boxing match which was ultimately won, with ease, by the former Derby County star.

The pair met in a charity event organised by ex-Arsenal and Watford goalkeeper Graham Stack with the intention of raising £500,000, with all proceeds going to Playskill, Sport In Mind, Willow Foundation, and Helping Hands.

The card featured a number of EFL figures from years gone by, as former Swansea City and Reading striker Leroy Lita won his match against David Noble, while Greg Halford and Lee Trundle lost out to Marvin Elliot and Anthony Gardner respectively.

However, it was the fight between Davies and Kenny which has attracted the most attention and coverage. Davies dominated Kenny in one round, forcing his opponent to require oxygen after being knocked down.

Davies, who spent the bulk of his career in English football’s second-tier with the likes of Birmingham City, Derby County and Hull City before hanging up his boots last summer, made light work of his fight against Kenny, with the ex-Sheffield United, QPR and Leeds United goalkeeper perhaps better at stopping shots than punches off Saturday evening’s evidence.

Curtis Davies defeats Paddy Kenny in charity boxing match

The fight itself, in which former British light-middleweight champion Wayne Alexander acted as referee, was dominated by Davies, who defended well against some early punches from Kenny before gaining the upper hand over his opponent.

He subjected the 47-year-old to a flurry of powerful combinations, with the fight only heading in one direction.

Kenny, much to his credit, battled bravely to carry on but was simply no match for Davies on the night. Davies then knocked Kenny to the floor and he tried to get back up and resume the fight after a brief stoppage, only for Alexander to sensibly stand in his way and prevent that from happening.

Indeed, footage shared afterwards showed Kenny requiring oxygen following an evening one suspects he may wish to forget about. Above all, however, the pair fought for a good cause, and Davies was sympathetic when celebrating his well-earned victory.

What ex-Derby County star Curtis Davies said after defeating Paddy Kenny in charity boxing match

Davies, who is seven years Kenny’s junior, explained his strategy when speaking after the victory and described how he “didn’t want to have to knock him about” - but he recognises how that is, of course, part and parcel of boxing.

He was also happy to fight for a good cause and ultimately claim the victory over Kenny.

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’ve been stopped a good 30 seconds before it was.

“Really pleased,” continued Davies. 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.”

And, rather interestingly, Davies also took time to call out none other than Jake Paul and celebrity-boxing crossover scene Misfits.

It’s unlikely we’ll see Davies and Paul going blow for blow in the ring anytime soon, but nonetheless, supporters will be amused to see him taking shots at the former YouTube star, who has fought against the likes of Nate Diaz, Tommy Fury and Mike Tyson since transitioning his efforts to boxing.