NORTH PROVIDENCE, RI – On Saturday, February 28, police officer Tom Evans will make his unlikely professional boxing debut at The Historic Park Theater in Cranston, Rhode Island.
The bout is part of Rhode Wars 5>, presented by CES Boxing, a special evening of fights and entertainment held in tribute to the late Nicky Cardillo. Tickets start at $68.79, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and the first fight scheduled for 7 p.m.
Standing across the ring from Evans will be Michigan’s Katriel Young, a fighter twelve years his junior who brings six professional bouts of experience into the contest.
“He’s definitely a seasoned boxer,” notes Evans. “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.”
From MMA to the Sweet Science
While February 28 marks Evans’ professional boxing debut, combat sports are nothing new to him. He previously competed in four Muay Thai contests and six mixed martial arts bouts, most recently under the CES MMA banner in 2020.
“That was supposed to be my last fight,” says Evans. “My mother passed away from diabetes and a heart condition about three weeks later. I was having my son at the time, and I got hired by the police department in Rhode Island. I entered the academy and my police career took off, and fighting got put on the back burner.”
Life shifted dramatically. Between family responsibilities, a growing law enforcement career, and personal loss, fighting became a distant chapter — until now.
Fighting for a Bigger Purpose
Unlike many fighters chasing titles or paydays, Evans is stepping into the ring for a cause much closer to home.
“I’m fighting to raise money for the kids of Central Falls Youth Baseball Program,” says Evans. “I started the program in 2020 using the money from my last fight with CES. 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.”
Beyond serving as a full-time patrolman, Evans runs the youth program, is married with three children, is one class away from earning 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 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.”
Realistic Goals, Relentless Preparation
At 38 years old, Evans understands the realities of stepping into professional boxing.
“I’m 38 – this is a young man’s game,” reasons Evans. “I’m doing this to raise money for charity. Boxing is dangerous. You take it one fight at a time and learn from it.”
Guiding him through camp is veteran trainer Peter Manfredo Sr., who is ensuring Evans enters the ring fully prepared.
“My first coach was Peter Manfredo,” says Evans. “Now he’s gonna be in my corner for my boxing debut. It’s not easy: sparring is intense. You’ve got road work, cardio – even though 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’re gonna 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 28th, I’m gonna go out there and put on a good show. Katriel Young is a tough kid. He comes forward, likes to bang, and isn’t afraid to throw punches. I’ll look like a boxer, feel like a boxer, and I’m gonna get hit. It’s okay. The kids will be there wearing their baseball jerseys, and we’re going to have fun.”
Two weeks after fight night, Evans will return to the baseball diamond as more than 150 boys and girls, ages 4–15, register for the spring season. Regardless of the outcome inside the ring, the real victory may already be secured — measured not in punches landed, but in opportunities created.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and is also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s also the main photographer for the 4CornersMafia Car Club.
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