Lee Trundle took on Anthony Gardner in a charity boxing match on Friday night, but it was the physique of the former Swansea City star that caught the attention of fans
Lee Trundle during his playing days(Image: Christopher Lee, Getty Images)
Football supporters have been stunned by Lee Trundle’s incredible physical transformation as the Swansea City icon stepped into the ring for a charity boxing bout against former Premier League star Anthony Gardner.
The event aimed to raise £500,000 for life-changing charities and featured five fights throughout the evening’s entertainment. Sadly for Trundle, despite preparing with Wales’ ex-WBO cruiserweight world champion Enzo Maccarinelli, he suffered defeat on the night. Rival Gardner slipped on two occasions, though the YouTube commentary team questioned whether the second tumble should have been counted as a knockdown from Trundle, who delivered a cracking jab to Gardner’s jaw.
While he began impressively against the former Everton star, Soccer AM icon Trundle became fatigued and regrettably lost his edge in the second round.
Football entertainer Jimmy Bullard even bellowed to Trundle during one of the intervals between rounds: “Trundle! You’re better than this. Knock the f*** out of him!”.
Despite being under pressure in the final round and facing a barrage of swinging punches, he connected with an impactful right hook on Gardner, but ultimately, it simply wasn’t enough.
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The duo embraced following the contest and were spotted grinning before the outcome was announced by the presenter – which was Gardner by unanimous verdict.
Writing on her Instagram story following the bout, Trundle’s partner Sophie posted: “So proud of you, babe and all the hard work you’ve put in these past weeks! I love you so much.”
Trundle and Gardner were fighting as part of a line-up that also featured former Spurs player David Bentley, who squared off against ex-Chelsea star Jody Morris – the latter emerged victorious.
Further victories were claimed by former Aston Villa defender Curtis Davies, ex-Swansea man Leroy Lita and former Bristol City midfielder Marvin Elliot.
Ex-Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Paddy Kenny also participated in the event, but was floored by Davies in a dramatic knockout. Kenny required oxygen after the KO.
Lee Trundle was in superb shape ahead of his big fight, but blew out of steam against Anthony Gardner. (Image: Daily Mail Sport)
Davies was understandably hesitant to celebrate and immediately rushed to embrace Kenny: “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.”
Aside from watching former football stars in the ring, something that grabbed viewers’ attention was the remarkable body transformation of Trundle, who was looking absolutely huge.
In his playing days, Trundle’s physique was typical of a footballer – not much muscle mass, lean and generally more slender. These days, he’s sporting a very muscular look, with impressive traps, thick arms and a chest any bodybuilder would be proud of.
Check out the footage below.
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Before the bout, Trundle explained his decision to step into the ring. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he confessed to BBC Sport. “So, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to try it.
“It’s harder than what I expected, if I’m being honest – on your arms and your breathing, but Enzo has always asked me to come down the gym. So, I think now I’ve got an excuse to come in and work with him.”
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