
Shawne Merriman calls out NFL legend for a massive fight between two football icons
Shawne Merriman has his sights set on a showdown with a fellow football legend in a match-up that would capture the imagination of NFL fans around the globe.
Renowned as one of the most powerful players to have ever graced his sport, ‘Lights Out’ is a truly terrifying competitor. Having rendered four people unconscious in one game, he’s truly one not to be messed with.
Merriman, who’s trained extensively with Randy Couture, would love to finally show the world he can fight just as well as he can play football.
And he has the perfect opponent in mind.
WOW: Shawne Merriman wants Khalil Mack and Derwin James to fight in his MMA promotion
Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty ImagesShawne Merriman calls out James Harrison for a blockbuster fightWhile Shawne Merriman developed a huge reputation for what he could do on the football field, he’s now forging a name for himself as a fight promoter.
The former linebacker, who owns Lights Out Sports TV, has joined forces with Signature Punch Promotions, ICS (Influencer Crossover Series), to promote an eagerly-anticipated boxing match between Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson and Rashad Evans, on April 12, inside The Pit in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
However, while the 40-year-old loves putting on events, he hasn’t given up his dream of having a fight himself, with the possibility of a clash with James Harrison, edging closer to becoming a very real possibility.
In an exclusive interview with Bloody Elbow, Merriman said: “This is my whole thing, I don’t mind my fighters with Lights Out Xtreme Fighting or any fighter in general promoting a fight.
“With me, because I’m more behind the scenes, and I’m the one putting everything together, I try to stay away from calling guys out publically.
“But if guys like James Harrison and Ochocinco (Chad Johnson) are going to be public about possibly fighting, I say, ‘Ok, fine, I’ve got somebody that really wants to fight’.
“I think that would be a great match-up, and people would love to see two bad a—- get in there and just get after it for a couple of rounds. So, I put it out there. Normally, I never call anybody out. I have sent contracts to multiple guys, former WWE guys, former football players; I sent one to a rugby player — nobody responds.
“That’s why I stay away from doing the social media call-outs, because I still train with a lot of these guys. I just trained up at Xtreme Couture; I’m there a couple of days a week. I’m at Top Rank in Las Vegas. I’m doing it to stay in shape.
“They’ve got a heavyweight in there that’s got a fight coming up, and they need somebody to move around with, and I’ll jump in there in a heartbeat. I love the sport; I always have.
“That offer is still on the table. If James Harrison wants to do it, I think it would be massive.”
Why Shawne Merriman thinks Rampage Jackson vs Rashad Evans is the combat sports equivalent of Khalil Mack vs Micah ParsonsWhile Merriman is still hopeful his fight with Harrison can come to fruition, for the time being, he’s focused on the bout between Rampage and Evans.
The warriors have proven their ability inside the cage beyond doubt, with the pair now leaving the octagon behind, to settle their rivalry inside the ring.
While the fight already sells itself, the former linebacker has added the icing on the cake with an interesting analogy.
Showcasing his promotional prowess, Merriman explained why Rampage vs Evans is the combat sports equivalent of Khalil Mack vs Micah Parsons.