Former West Ham Soccer Star Set for Misfits Boxing Debut in October

Six years after he closed the chapter in soccer that saw him represent Wales and a string of clubs, including the two stints at West Ham United, James "Ginge" Collins is set to enter a new era in his work life. Only, instead of his feet, he will be relying on his fists.

The 43-year-old former center back from Newport, Wales, is set to make his boxing debut on October 10. A face-off with actor Charlie "Big Stacks" Cox will see him open the Misfits Boxing card headlined by a bout between TV personality Joey Essex and comedian Daniel O'Reilly, aka Dapper Laughs.

"Big Stacks finds his biggest challenge yet in former Welsh Footballer, James 'Ginge' Collins 🥊,"read the Instagram post from Misfits Boxing. A huge card unravels in London on October 10.

🇬🇧 You aren't going to want to miss this one. 🤝" The development comes after Big Stacks' previously booked opponent, Tom Skinner, the businessman who became famous for his appearance on The Apprentice, withdrew from the event.

For Collins, it's a completely new development. The 6'2" tall player comes in with an impressive soccer resume.

After playing for the Welsh youth teams, he made his debut with the senior team in 2004. He subsequently made 51 appearances for Wales before announcing his retirement from international soccer in 2017.

His club-level career continued, with Collins becoming widely recognized for his time at West Ham United. After spending four years with Cardiff City, he joined the Stratford-based club in 2005.

He played until 2009 before leaving for Aston Villa, where he made 108 appearances, scoring 6 goals. In 2012, he returned to West Ham United and stayed until 2018.

During those six years, he played in 149 matches and scored 7 goals. Collins' last appearance was with Ipswich Town.