Tom Zbikowski wins in first boxing fight since 2011, now 5-0
Former Baltimore Ravens DB Tom Zbikowski improved to 5-0 in his professional boxing career after beating Keith Jackson Jr. by unanimous decision on Friday night in his first fight since 2011.
Zbikowski famously was an All-American safety at Notre Dame during his career from 2003-2007. He fought in 2006 during his college career after getting cleared by the NCAA to do so. His first fight was a spectacle as he had the support of former Fighting Irish stars Brady Quinn and Jeff Samardzija in his corner. He also made headlines as a cross-sport athlete who fought again professionally during the NFL Lockout in 2011.
Though Zbikowski went 4-0 in his pro fighting career, he hadn’t had a pro fight in nearly five years until Friday. But the 30-year-old apparently looked good as he won his fifth career fight, the second of which came by decision.
Here’s video from the fight via ND Insider:
Tom Zbikowski getting taped before tonight's fight. pic.twitter.com/wOmmLHILHc
— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) April 23, 2016
Zbikowski had come upon tough times, so resuming his fighting career is a nice step for him. He battled alcoholism, and in 2011, he was suspended briefly for a failed marijuana test. There was even a bizarre story about him being turned away from a fire department in 2013 supposedly because of his clothes.
A two-time All-American in college, Zbikowski recorded 126 tackles, two sacks and three interceptions during his NFL career.