Ex-Soccer Star Nacho Novo Will Box The Scottish Jake Paul Despite Recent Heart Attack
Nacho Novo, the former Rangers soccer super star, will box influencer Caz Milligan from the OVO Hydro on August 10.
Novo is known for being one of Rangers’ most-iconic footballers. The Spaniard spent six years at Rangers, scoring 73 times in 255 appearances. He had a stellar career, winning 3 league titles, 2 league cups and a Scottish cup. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. One of his most iconic moments took place in 2008 when he scored the winning penalty against Fiorentina to take Rangers to the 2008 UEFA Cup final.
Unfortunately, Rangers would come up short, losing 2-0 to Zenit Saint Petersburg. Novo would then play in Spain, Poland and the United States. He retired in 2017, only to suffer a heart attack one year later. That was then followed by a stroke as there were worries over his health. But now he will headline against Milligan, dubbed the Scottish Jake Paul. Novo hopes he can make history like his soccer career.
Novo’s Return
“Twenty years ago I used to score goals for Rangers. Twenty years later, I’m fighting my biggest fan. Well, after what I have been passed through – lots of problems in my life, health problems, whatever happens in life you have to try push yourself to do whatever you want to do. I am excited for this event, I hope everybody will come and support me and I hope people enjoy,” Novo
“Twenty years ago Novo was my highest goal scorer on FIFA. Twenty years later I am now fighting Nacho Novo. I’m doing this for the kids who have doubted, for those who have got a dream. I was once a kid with Novo 10 printed on my back. But now I am going to have the referee counting to 10 with Nacho Novo on his back,” Milligan
Should It Happen?
The fight has drawn controversy given the recent rise of boxers dying and having health issues. Mike Tyson recently pulled out if his fight with Jake Paul after his medical team said his ulcer had flared up. Since Tyson is 58, there are worries he could suffer damage against a younger 28-year-old Paul. Novo is 45-years-old, with no need to risk taking such a fight. Meanwhile, another boxer Ardi Ndembo passed way at 27 while being in a coma for two weeks.
Sherif Lawal also passed away after being taken to hospital following his pro-debut loss. But other sportsmen have shown it is possible to crossover into boxers. Former rugby player Sonny Bill Williams had success his boxing. His boxing record stands at 9-1, with 4 KO wins. However, his last fight was a KO loss to Mark Hunt. Former cricketer Freddie Flintoff also had a boxing bout, beating Richard Dawson in 2012. While that may have been the case, Williams and Flintoff were not entering the ring following health issues. That is why Novo’s decision has been criticized.
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