The latest round of celebrity boxing will feature Rodney King taking on a former Delaware County police officer in a "justice" battle in the ring.
King entered the national spotlight after a group of Los Angeles Police officers were videotaped beating him. The ensuing court case was eventually the spark plug for the L.A. Riots and left King asking “can’t we all just get along.”
King will have the chance to get his punches in against a law enforcer when he takes on former Chester cop Simon “The Renegade” Aouad on Sept. 11 in Essington, Pa. The original date of the event was Sept. 12 in Boothwyn, Pa. but due to an overwhelming response it was moved up a day to accommodate more people at a larger venue.
“I know some people will see the irony here,” said King about boxing a police officer. “But I would have fought anyone who was worthy.”
The 6-foot, 215-pound Aouad should be worthy enough. He has fought in many tough man fights and will bring a 36-0 record and 34 knockouts into the ring against King.
But the 6-foot-4, 250-pound King is ready to bring his size advantage to the ring. He was training in California to prepare for the battle in the squared ring.
“I take this very seriously,” King said.
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But King won’t be entering friendly territory when he comes to fight Aouad on the former cop’s home turf in front of plenty of men in blue.
“I’m honored to be in the same ring as [King],” Aouad said. But Aouad doesn’t plan to be friendly once he enters the ring. “When I get in the ring I’m there to fight,” the 31-year-old boxer said.
Aouad's view on King and his "Can't we all just get along" was simple -- “Simon sez NO,” Aouad told NBC Philadelphia.
The former cop plans on giving King a beating that’s “going to make him think the Los Angeles Police Department were simply playing footsies,” he said.
The original date of the bout held significant meaning for the challenger. Aouad will dedicate this fight to every single law enforcement officer out there and especially to a "major" figure in his life who he holds very dear to his heart who died on Sept. 12, 2007 .
After their bout next month Aouad hopes to return the favor and challenge King on his home turf. There were no plans released about any possible rematch.
The former cop also is an aspiring actor so he should be able to relate to actor (and former Donald Trump bodyguard) Thomas Walton who will be fighting on the undercard.
An official press conference about the celebrity boxing bouts will be held Thursday, according to promoter Damon Feldman.
King vs. Aouad will take place at the Philadelphia Airport Ramada Inn on Friday, Sept. 11 with the bell at 8 p.m. Anyone who wants to see “justice” served in the ring can purchase tickets from Center Stage Tickets, 800-677-8499 or contact 484-318-6133.
