Controversial ex-Newcastle star Nile Ranger to make boxing debut on same fight card as former Brentford captain

FORMER Newcastle striker Nile Ranger is swapping the football pitch for the boxing ring. The ex-Premier League forward has been confirmed as a fighter for the third edition of charity boxing event A Night to Remember. Nyle Ranger will be taking part in a charity boxing event Credit: Getty Images Former Brentford and Birmingham captain Harlee Dean will also feature in the charity boxing event Credit: Getty Images Ranger, 35, will lace up the gloves at London’s JW Marriott Grosvenor House on October 22 as part of a card featuring a host of former footballers. And he will be joined on the bill by former Brentford captain Harlee Dean, who is also preparing to trade tackles for punches. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Organisers Pro Project Promotions announced Ranger’s involvement on Instagram, writing: “Proud to announce that @nilepowerranger [Instagram handle] is a confirmed fighter for A Night To Remember III.” They added: “From the football pitch to the ring, Nile is stepping into a new challenge and will be putting it all on the line in London this October.” Dean, 35, was unveiled separately, with the former Bees skipper having also represented Birmingham City, Reading and Sheffield Wednesday during his career. The defender made almost 249 appearances for Brentford and captained the club before leaving for Birmingham in 2017, building a reputation as a commanding presence at the back. But Ranger arrives with a far more controversial history after a career which promised plenty but was repeatedly overshadowed by problems away from football. The striker broke into Newcastle’s first team as a highly-rated youngster and helped the Magpies win promotion back to the Premier League in 2010. Most read in Football Ranger made 63 appearances for Newcastle United Credit: EMPICS Sport Ranger left Newcastle in 2013 Credit: PA But disciplinary problems and a series of legal issues subsequently followed. Ranger has previously served prison sentences and received criminal convictions during a turbulent career. Ranger currently plays as a striker for AFC Whyteleafe, a non-league football club competing in the Isthmian League Premier Division. He officially signed with the club yesterday, making his debut almost immediately in a 2–2 draw against Wingate & Finchley. The move marks his fourth club transfer in just two years, following brief recent stints with other semi-pro outfits like Kettering Town, Wellingborough Town, and Chatham Town. A Night to Remember is the brainchild of former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack and sees ex-professional footballers step inside the ring for charity. Its inaugural event in London in October 2025 raised more than £125,000, with former Chelsea midfielder Jody Morris beating ex-Tottenham star David Bentley by unanimous decision. The series returned for a second show in Liverpool earlier this year and the third instalment heads back to Grosvenor House in October. With organisers aiming to drive their fundraising towards £500,000 for causes including the Willow Foundation and Sport in Mind. Comment now