Martin Woods, a former Ross County and Scotland youth midfielder, will step into the boxing ring on October 22, 2026, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London for a charity event organised by Pro Project Promotions. The 40-year-old, who won the Scottish League Cup with Ross County in 2016, is one of 12 former footballers set to compete in 'A Night to Remember III'.
What prompted Martin Woods to trade football for boxing?
After leaving English non-league side Kings Lynn at the end of last season, Woods is currently without a club. The charity boxing event, which aims to raise funds for people in need, gives him a new challenge. Former Arsenal goalkeeper Graham Stack, who founded Pro Project Promotions, said: "This is our biggest and most emotional line-up yet." He added: "Every one of these lads has a story worth telling."
Who else is stepping into the ring with Woods?
Woods will join fellow former professionals including Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, Nile Ranger, Gary Madine, Sebastien Bassong, Matthew Briggs, Armand Traore, Harlee Deen, Simon Cox, Lee Cook, Leroy Lita, Anthony Gardner, David Norris, and Jamie Sendless-White. Emmanuel-Thomas, a former Aberdeen and Livingston midfielder, was jailed last year for involvement in a cannabis smuggling plot.
How does this event fit into Pro Project Promotions' track record?
Previous events by the organisation raised over £201,500 for charity, with the debut of a documentary on Amazon Prime showcasing their impact. Stack described the upcoming event as aiming to be "the biggest night yet". Tickets are available on the Pro Project Promotions website, though opponents for Woods and others have not yet been announced.
What does this mean for Ross County as they prepare for the new season?
As Ross County await the start of the new Scottish Championship campaign, they sit 10th in the final 2025 table with 34 points from 36 games (8W-10D-18L), a goal difference of -21 from 36 scored and 57 conceded, and 43 points behind leaders St Johnstone. Their next fixture is at home against Airdrie United on October 24, 2026, with G. Mackay-Steven as top scorer this season after one appearance. You can review the squad ahead of that fixture on our squad page or check upcoming games on our fixtures page.
