Graham Stack interview: Former Arsenal goalkeeper on making boxing ‘pipe dream' a reality | OneFootball

Stack is staging a huge night of boxing in London in October when ex-Premier League players will square off in the ring for charity

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Graham Stack’s career has taken him all over the world, from India to Israel.

But now the former Arsenal goalkeeper’s focus is much closer to home back in London.

It is a big operation and the first of three events, with the aim of raising £500,000 for charity over the course of a year.

David Bentley takes on Jody Morris in the headline fight of the night

Pro Project Promotions / A Night To Remember

“But I do want to make this really clear, I am not a boxing promoter by any stretch of the imagination!

“I have got a lot of help on board now, because I was actually doing everything myself. Today I’ve been on the phone with the boys, asking them what they want on their shorts, what size head guard they need. The detail that has gone into this has been huge.”

Stack has not played football since he came of retirement at 43 to make a solitary appearance for Kings Langley in the Southern League Division One central last year, while his last coaching job was a two-week stint with Maccabi Tel Aviv in July 2023.

He has had chances to return to coaching since then, holding talks with clubs in the Championship, but for now he has no plans to go back.

“I would never say never,” says Stack. “And there have been opportunities that have come up for me in the last six months.

“I’ve gone everywhere to try and have a coaching career. I have travelled all around the world - Israel, India - and it can be difficult when you’ve got four kids.

Stack’s attention is now on Pro Project Promotions, which started as a “pipe dream” but has become a reality.

One thousand fans are due at the Grosvenor Hotel on October 18 to see five fights between 10 former footballers, headlined by David Bentley versus Jody Morris.

A Night To Remember is being held at Grosvenor Hotel on October 18

Pro Project Promotions / A Night To Remember

Stack has ambitions to then hold a similar event in the north - Liverpool or Manchester - with ex-players from that region.

The winners from both shows will then return to the Grosvenor Hotel in a year’s time for a “winner takes all” showdown.

The players involved are currently going through training camps of six to eight weeks with former world champions such as Darren Barker, Enzo Maccarinelli and James DeGale. Stack wants it to be an experience they will never forget.

“I want them to have a belt at the end of the night to raise, because that is part of it,” he says.

“Putting all this sacrifice and work in, to be rewarded by something at the end - not only a standing ovation - that would be so special and important to some people.”

Giving players that “winning feeling” is one of the drivers behind Stack setting up the event.

At the heart of the plan is raising £500,000 for three charities - Helping Hands, The Willow Foundation and Sport In Mind - but there is also the impact it can have on those involved.

“I wanted to try and help, but it’s a bit strange, because footballers don’t like that word ‘help’,” says Stack. “That is just their mentality, they want to do things for themselves.

Some of the boxing and trainers taking part in A Night To Remember

Pro Project Promotions / A Night To Remember

“It’s a massive opportunity to give yourself a platform and stability, and also to reconnect and have that camaraderie back.

“Too often players look for something to replace football in ways that are not good - gambling, drinking, whatever that might be. This is a real positive way of filling your time, mentally and physically.”

Stack had some players reach out to him when they heard about the event and he warned them the preparations won’t be easy.

There is also the fact the event could be streamed to millions around the world, but that hasn’t put people off.

“A lot of footballers love their boxing,” says Stack. “Their second sport is often golf or boxing.

“I threw the idea out there initially and contacted one or two who had been in touch with me.

“When you put the gloves on, it’s no different to putting your football boots on. When you cross that line, it is like getting in between the ropes - the mentality and mindset is always the same, you want to win.

“But I don’t want this to be about individuals, I want it to be about what we are trying to do.

“I didn’t realise where this would all end up - it was a pipe dream at the start - but now I can’t wait for next month.”

Pro Project Promotions is putting on A Night To Remember on October 18, when former footballers step into the boxing ring with the aim of raising £500,000 for charity within a year. Head to ProProjectPromotions.com to book your table.