Adrian Peterson Gears Up for Boxing Match with Poker Rival Joe Castaneda
Jordan Collins here. I guess I can simplify this for you: Adrian Peterson has started intense training for his upcoming celebrity boxing match against Joe “Baby Joe” Castaneda. Videos obtained by TMZ Sports reveal the former NFL star in a Houston gym, wrapping his fists and working mitts with the kind of focus most people reserve for assembling Ikea furniture. You probably should already know this, but here we go.
The 40-year-old Minnesota Vikings legend showed off a trim and toned physique in a maroon tee, gray shorts, and black trainers. Yes, he still looks like he could outrun most 20-year-olds on the running track. That said, his punches are not lightning fast just yet. The footage clearly shows him working on speed drills and footwork, the areas he admitted in courtside chatter need sharpening. TMZ Sports captured Peterson moving around the ring like a sprinter who decided boxing was easier than plowing through NFL defenses.
In case you skipped the memo, this match is a rematch of the May 27 brawl that erupted over a poker game dispute. Witnesses said emotions boiled over when Peterson and Castaneda disagreed on a hand of cards, leading to a full on scuffle at the table. You might be asking, who thought that deserved a sequel? Turns out the folks behind Celebrity Boxing saw the viral moment and decided to make it a proper fight card.
Celebrity Boxing founder Damon Feldman, who spoke exclusively with TMZ, confirmed there is still no official date, time, or venue set for the bout, but assured everyone it will be locked in soon. According to Feldman, both men are eager to settle the score and prove they can back up their brags. Feldman’s team is finalizing details and scouting venues in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Miami. Think high stakes, bright lights, and a packed crowd cheering on two grown men paying childlike homage to prize fights.
On the other side of the ring, Joe “Baby Joe” Castaneda has also been spotted sinking into training sessions with a reputable coach. Earlier TMZ footage shows him throwing jabs and hooks, working on endurance routines that suggest he’s taking this as seriously as a Vegas pro. It’s a classic underdog story, if the underdog were a poker player turned pugilist taking on a retired NFL great.
So why should you care? Because this is not just another celebrity stunt; it’s a real fight with real training and sweat equity. Peterson’s NFL miles are on record, but has he got boxing pounds in the bank? And can Castaneda turn his poker face into a killer jab? Expect more sparring videos, training updates, and a hype cycle that will make Super Bowl week look like a quiet afternoon.
Stay tuned for announcements on ticket sales and broadcast details. And if you think this is the final bell, think again. There is more drama to come, and I’ll be here to spell it out for you.
Glad I could clear that up for you.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ Sports, Celebrity Boxing founder Damon Feldman
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
