NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI – On Saturday, February 28, police officer Tom Evans will make his unlikely professional boxing debut The Historical Park Theater in Cranston, Rhode Island.
The fight is part of it Rhode Wars 5>presented by CES Boxinga special evening of fights and entertainment in honor of the late Nicky Cardillo. Tickets start at $68.79, doors open at 6 p.m. and the first fight is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Across the ring from Evans is Michigan Katrien Jonga fighter twelve years younger who brings six professional experiences to the competition.
“He’s definitely a seasoned boxer,” Evans notes. “He has more boxing fights, but I think I have more experience fighting. I’ve fought on the big stage on national television before.”
From MMA to the sweet science
Although Evans marks his professional boxing debut on February 28, combat sports are nothing new to him. He previously competed in four Muay Thai bouts and six mixed martial arts fights, most recently under the CES MMA banner in 2020.
“That would be my last fight,” says Evans. “My mother died about three weeks later from diabetes and heart disease. I then had a son and was hired by the police force in Rhode Island. I went to the academy and my law enforcement career took off, and the fighting was put on the back burner.”
Life changed dramatically. Between family responsibilities, a growing career in law enforcement and personal loss, battles became a distant chapter – until now.
Fighting for a greater cause
Unlike many fighters chasing titles or money, Evans steps into the ring for a goal much closer to home.
“I’m fighting to raise money for the kids in the Central Falls Youth Baseball Program,” said Evans. “I started the program in 2020 with the money from my last fight with CES. We offer everything for free: shoes, jerseys, equipment. It costs about $25-30,000 annually, but we are lucky: local politicians help, the mayor supports us and the schools help promote it. This year we are adding girls’ softball.”
In addition to being a full-time police officer, Evans runs the youth program, is married with three children, is one grade away from receiving his master’s degree in criminal justice and public administration, and serves on his district’s school board.
“My wife keeps everything together,” laughs Evans. “I get up at 6 a.m., take the kids to school, go to the gym, do schoolwork when I can, then pick up the kids and go to work, and I wear uniform from 4 p.m. to midnight. Sleep usually happens between 1 and 6 a.m.”
Realistic goals, ruthless preparation
At 38 years old, Evans understands the realities of professional boxing.
“I’m 38 – this is a young man’s game,” Evans reasons. “I do this to raise money for a good cause. Boxing is dangerous. You take it fight by fight and learn from it.”
He is guided through the camp by an experienced trainer Peter Manfredo Sr.which ensures that Evans enters the ring fully prepared.
“My first coach was Peter Manfredo,” says Evans. “Now he’s in my corner for my boxing debut. It’s not easy: sparring is intense. There’s road work, cardio – even if 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 get hurt. That’s what makes boxing special.”
A night bigger than boxing
Evans knows what kind of fight to expect against Young: an aggressive opponent who comes forward and throws with confidence.
“On February 28, I’m going to go out there and put on a good show. Katriel Young is a tough kid. He comes out, loves to pound and isn’t afraid to throw punches. I’m going to look like a boxer, feel like a boxer, and I’m going to get hit. It’s OK. The kids are going to be there with their baseball jerseys on, and we’re going to have fun.”
Two weeks after fight night, Evans returns to the baseball diamond as more than 150 boys and girls ages 4 to 15 register for the spring season. Regardless of the outcome in the ring, the real victory may already have been achieved – measured not by the punches thrown, but by the opportunities created.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, founder, executive writer and senior editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for martial arts and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He is also a former MMA fighter and kickboxer. He is also the chief photographer of the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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