From Patrolman To Prizefighter: Tom Evans Makes His Pro Boxing Debut On February 28

On Saturday, February 28, police officer Tom Evans makes his unlikely professional boxing debut at The Historic Park Theater in Cranston, Rhode Island.

The bout is one of six fights taking place at CES Boxing’s Rhode Wars 5, a special night of boxing and entertainment held in tribute to the late Nicky Cardillo. Tickets are priced from $68.79 and are available now at CES Fights. Doors open at 6pm, with the first bout taking place at 7pm.

Across the ring from Evans will be Michigan’s Katriel Young, a fighter twelve years his junior with six professional bouts under his belt.

“He’s definitely a seasoned boxer,” notes Evans. “He has more boxing fights, but I think I have more experience fight-wise. I’ve fought on the big stage on national television before.”

Indeed, while Evans is making his pro boxing debut, he has competed in four Muay Thai contests and in six mixed martial arts bouts, his last one taking place with CES MMA in 2020.

“That was supposed to be my last fight,” says Evans. “My mother passed away from diabetes and a heart condition about three weeks later. I was having my son at the time, and I got hired by the police department in Rhode Island. I entered the academy and my police career took off, and fighting got put on the back burner.”

Fighting is not something most professional fighters give up easily. But while many come back for money or the spotlight, Evans is returning for a very different reason.

“I’m fighting to raise money for the kids of Central Falls Youth Baseball Program,” says Evans. I started the program in 2020 using the money from my last fight with CES. We provide everything for free: cleats, jerseys, equipment. It costs about $25–30k annually to run, but we’re fortunate: local politicians help, the mayor supports us, and the schools help promote it. This year, we’re adding girls’ softball.”

Beyond his work as a full-time patrolman, Evans runs the youth program while preparing for his fight. He’s also married with three children, is one class away from earning his master’s degree in criminal justice and public administration, and he serves on his district’s school board.

“My wife keeps everything together,” laughs Evans. “I get up at 6am, take the kids to school, hit the gym, do schoolwork when I can, then pick the kids up, head to work, and I’m in uniform from 4pm until midnight. Sleep usually happens between one and six in the morning.”

While most debuting boxers dream of championship belts and million-dollar paydays, Evans is realistic about his goals in the squared circle.

“I’m 38 – this is a young man’s game,” reasons Evans. “I’m doing this to raise money for charity. Boxing is dangerous. You take it one fight at a time and learn from it.

Trainer Peter Manfredo Sr. is making sure that Evans is fully prepared for what awaits him in the ring.

“My first coach was Peter Manfredo,” says Evans. “Now he’s gonna be in my corner for my boxing debut. It’s not easy: sparring is intense. You’ve got road work, cardio – even though it’s four rounds, I train like it’s eight rounds. I’m sore and there’s wear and tear at my age, but if you’re not prepared, you’re gonna get hurt. That’s what makes boxing special.”

What makes Tom Evans special is his willingness to absorb punishment for the benefit of others – and he does it with a smile.

“On February 28th, I’m gonna go out there and put on a good show. Katriel Young is a tough kid. He comes forward, likes to bang, and isn’t afraid to throw punches. I’ll look like a boxer, feel like a boxer, and I’m gonna get hit. It’s okay. The kids will be there wearing their baseball jerseys, and we’re going to have fun.”

Two weeks later, Evans will trade the boxing ring for the baseball diamond as more than 150 boys and girls ages 4-15 register for the spring season – proof that the Sweet Science has already delivered a victory beyond the ropes.

If you’d like to donate to the Central Falls Youth Baseball Program, you can venmo @CFYB-1.

For more information on Rhode Wars 5 and all other CES events, visit cesfights.com.

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