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Former Leeds favourite Ross McCormack was knocked out in the first round on his boxing debut, facing ex-Leeds defender Matthew Kilgallon at a charity event. McCormack spent four years at Elland Road during his playing career, netting 58 goals in 158 appearances. He was handed the captain's armband in January 2014 and claimed the Championship Golden Boot before making the move to Fulham that summer.

The former Scotland international hung up his boots from professional football in 2023. Having since turned out for non-league clubs, the 39-year-old switched to a new sport entirely when he was lined up to take on Kilgallon in a charity boxing bout. McCormack entered the ring under the nickname 'Wrecking Ball' at A Night To Remember II in Liverpool on Friday evening.

After a fairly balanced opening exchange, 'Cold Killer' Kilgallon dodged his opponent's punches before bringing the contest to a swift conclusion.

A flurry of body shots combined with powerful left hooks sent McCormack crashing to the canvas in the corner. Referee Ian John-Lewis stopped the fight just over a minute into the first of three scheduled two-minute rounds. The two former Leeds men warmly embraced once the bout had concluded.

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McCormack and Kilgallon were among a number of all-footballer contests on the card, which was broadcast by talkSPORT. A Night To Remember II was organised by Pro Project Promotions, a company established by former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack.

The action also featured Swansea City legend Lee Trundle overcoming former Watford and Burnley striker Chris Iwelumo. Ex-Wolves goalkeeper Carl Ikeme also pulled on boxing gloves to face retired Bristol City icon, Bradley Orr.

Former Leeds skipper McCormack enjoyed a distinguished playing career. After breaking into Rangers' first team and featuring in the Champions League, he had a brief spell with Motherwell before joining Cardiff City in 2008. His prolific debut season for the Bluebirds left a lasting impression on Leeds, who snapped him up in 2010.

Following a slow start at Elland Road, the Scotland international netted 19 goals in the subsequent campaign. McCormack reached a career-high of 29 goals and was handed the captain's armband during the 2013/14 season, before moving to Fulham for a Championship-record £11m - a record he surpassed for a second time when signing for newly-relegated Aston Villa in 2016.

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The forward struggled to make his mark at Villa Park. He was sent out on loan on several occasions, spending time in Australia and returning to Motherwell as his career began to wind down.

Meanwhile, Kilgallon came through Leeds' academy and made 95 first-team appearances, though he departed more than three years before McCormack arrived at Elland Road.

The 42-year-old also turned out for Sheffield United, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers and Bradford City throughout his career before hanging up his boots in 2021.

A Night to Remember II raised funds for Children's Charity Merseyside and Autism Merseyside.

Sky Sports analyst Jamie Carragher, alongside former world champion boxers Natasha Jonas and Liam Smith, served as ambassadors for the occasion.