Comedian Kevin Hart and poker pro Antonio Esfandiari are set to clash in a boxing match sometime next year with latter receiving odds of 35:1.
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Kevin Hart seen here in front of a punchbag is set to take on poker pro Antonio Esfandiari in a boxing match. (Image: rallyhealth.com)
Talking to celebrity gossip site TMZ Sports, Antonio confirmed that he and Hart were ready to step into the ring and throw punches at each other for money.
“Kevin Hart and I were playing the other day, we were hanging out and somehow boxing comes up. So, we made a bet. And, in March, around March, we are going to box in a ring,” the 2012 Big One for One Drop champion told TMZ on July 29.
Magician Needs a Miracle to Win
Despite being known for his willingness to bet on almost anything, the man known as the Magician admitted that he’ll be the underdog in the fight. With Hart known for posting his workout video on Instagram, Esfandiari has accepted odds of 35:1.
“I have the reach and a little bit of weight, but he’s fast, he’s quick, he’s strong,” Esfandiari continued.
Although a firm date for the latest boxing prop bet hasn’t been set, the pair have tentatively agreed to a showdown in March 2019.
For the poker pro, that gives him around seven months to get in shape and learn a few fundamentals before going a few rounds with a comedian that’s made $57 million so far in 2018.
Boxing and Poker Continue their Strange Relationship
For those in poker, boxing bets are nothing new. Over the last decade, the top pros have been willing to put their cash and reputations on the line in a bid to satisfy their competitive urges.
Back in 2009, Gus Hansen and fellow high stakes pro Theo Jorgensen decided to lace up the gloves and duke it out. On that occasion, Hansen wagered $35,000 to his opponent’s $25,000 that he’d win.
However, despite his initial confidence, the Great Dane eventually lost by decision. That bout started something of a trend as Liv Boeree took on poker report Melissa Castello the same year, while Bertrand Grospellier fought Lex Veldhuis in a kick boxing match two years later.
With Antonius boasting more than $27 million and Hart not being short of a dollar or two, it’s likely this fight will be for a significant amount of money. In fact, with Bill Perkins already generating some interest on Twitter, the side bets are likely to be just as juicy as the money on offer for the victor.
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