Police Officer Makes Pro Boxing Debut to Raise Funds for Youth Baseball

Tom Evans, a Rhode Island police officer, will make his professional boxing debut on February 28 to support the Central Falls Youth Baseball Program.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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On Saturday, February 28, 38-year-old police officer Tom Evans will make his unlikely professional boxing debut at The Historic Park Theater in Cranston, Rhode Island. Evans, who has competed in Muay Thai and MMA fights in the past, is returning to the ring to raise money for the Central Falls Youth Baseball Program, which he founded in 2020 to provide free equipment and resources for local kids. His opponent will be the more experienced Katriel Young from Michigan.

Why it matters

Evans' decision to make his pro boxing debut as a 38-year-old police officer in order to support a youth sports program he founded highlights the community-minded spirit of the athlete. In an era where many professional fighters are driven by money and fame, Evans' focus on giving back to local youth is an inspiring example of using one's platform for the greater good.

The details

Evans, who is one class away from earning his master's degree in criminal justice and public administration, juggles his full-time police job, his role on the school board, and his family responsibilities while training for the fight under the guidance of veteran trainer Peter Manfredo Sr. Despite his age and lack of professional boxing experience, Evans is determined to put on a good show and raise as much money as possible for the youth baseball program he started, which provides free equipment, uniforms, and other resources for over 150 kids ages 4-15.

  • The fight will take place on Saturday, February 28, 2026.
  • Evans' last MMA fight was in 2020, shortly after the death of his mother.

The players

Tom Evans

A 38-year-old Rhode Island police officer making his professional boxing debut to raise money for the Central Falls Youth Baseball Program, which he founded in 2020.

Katriel Young

Evans' opponent, a 26-year-old boxer from Michigan with six professional fights under his belt.

Peter Manfredo Sr.

Evans' boxing trainer, who also coached him earlier in his fighting career.

Central Falls Youth Baseball Program

A youth sports organization founded by Evans in 2020 that provides free equipment, uniforms, and other resources for over 150 kids ages 4-15 in the Central Falls area.

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What they’re saying

“He's definitely a seasoned boxer. He has more boxing fights, but I think I have more experience fight-wise. I've fought on the big stage on national television before.”

— Tom Evans, Police Officer and Boxer (Fight News)

“I'm fighting to raise money for the kids of Central Falls Youth Baseball Program. We provide everything for free: cleats, jerseys, equipment. It costs about $25–30k annually to run, but we're fortunate: local politicians help, the mayor supports us, and the schools help promote it. This year, we're adding girls' softball.”

— Tom Evans, Police Officer and Boxer (Fight News)

“My wife keeps everything together. I get up at 6am, take the kids to school, hit the gym, do schoolwork when I can, then pick the kids up, head to work, and I'm in uniform from 4pm until midnight. Sleep usually happens between one and six in the morning.”

— Tom Evans, Police Officer and Boxer (Fight News)

What’s next

After the fight on February 28, Evans will shift his focus to the Central Falls Youth Baseball Program's spring season, which will see over 150 boys and girls ages 4-15 register to play.

The takeaway

Tom Evans' inspiring story shows how athletes can use their platform to make a meaningful difference in their local communities. By turning his professional boxing debut into a fundraiser for a youth sports program he founded, Evans is demonstrating the power of sports to bring people together and create positive change, even at the individual level.