FORMER world darts champion Gerwyn Price is set to make his boxing debut later this year.
Price, who played professional rugby union and league before turning his attention to the oche, has announced he will have his first bout on April 9 in his native Wales.
The 36-year-old revealed on his Instagram story that he will take on Rhys ‘Cool Fly & Flashy’ Evans at the Valley Tavern in Fleur De Lys.
The fight will take place in between two rounds of the Premier League darts – Price will play Peter Wright just five days after his night in the boxing ring.
Price admitted he will need to lose weight for the fight, writing in his post: “Need to drop 10kg for this.”
Price became the first Welshman to win the PDC World Championship in 2021, beating Scotland’s Gary Anderson 7-3 in the final at Alexandra Palace to claim the first prize of £500,000.
He reached the quarter-finals in the defence of his title and hit a nine-dart finish against Michael Smith, but went on to lose the match 5-4.
The Cardiff-born ace is one of only 10 men to experience lifting the PDC World Darts trophy over the past 27 years.
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Yet it is not his only claim to fame as he did once score a try in a cup final at the Millennium Stadium.
It was back in 2012 when Price, a bulking 16st No.2 for Cross Keys, crossed the try line in a 32-19 victory over Pontypridd in the SWALEC Cup final at the national stadium in Cardiff.
On the stage, Price revels in the pantomime villain role, often booed by fans for his muscular, scream-in-your-face celebrations. The controversial 2018 Grand Slam of Darts final, when he was heavily fined for gamesmanship, only made the jeers louder.
Off the stage, however, Price reflects his nickname the Iceman: cool, calm, self-depreciating and quiet. With the media he is a joy to work with. And keeps himself to himself backstage.
He has been with his wife Bethan since they were 17 years old, getting married back in 2018, and she controls his social media account. Ensuring therefore that he is shielded from the worst snips from the online trolls.