Former footballer Patrice Evra`s anticipated mixed martial arts debut has been postponed.
The ex-Manchester United and France defender announced his surprising move into the sport late last month.
Evra, aged 43, was scheduled to make his first appearance at the Professional Fighters League (PFL) event in Paris on May 23.
However, the event has been cancelled just over two weeks before it was set to take place.
According to a statement from PFL: “PFL Europe Paris on 23 May has been rescheduled and a new date will be announced soon.”
“All fans who have purchased tickets will receive a full refund.”
The planned main event featured a lightweight bout between Mansour Barnaoui and Archie Colgan.
PFL had faced pressure to cancel the fight due to allegations of domestic violence and rape against Barnaoui made by his former partner.
Evra, who has shown interest in MMA since 2016, was eager to compete.
He stated: “I’ve performed on the world’s biggest stages, won every major trophy in football, but PFL Europe Paris would have been an incredibly special night for me.”
“I’ve been training alongside the best in the world for years, and they’ll also tell you I’m ready for this.”
“I was going to put on a show at the Accor Arena on 23 May, so come watch the spectacle.”
An opponent for the former Champions League and Premier League winner had not yet been announced.
However, after announcing his surprising move, he expressed a strong desire to settle his long-standing issue with former Liverpool player Luis Suarez, who was found to have racially abused him during a match at Anfield in 2011.
He had said: “I’m officially training for my first fight with @PFLEurope. They will pick my opponent.
“They asked who I want to face. I said, `Luis Suarez. I’ll pay out of pocket. He can even bite me.`”
Percy Harlow