SEBASTIEN BASSONG might have become a WORLD CHAMPION boxer if he had chosen to pursue that path instead of football, according to trainer Don Charles.

The esteemed Charles took a break from training two-time heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois to support Bassong during A Night to Remember III last week.

The charity fundraising event featured ex-footballers squaring off in the ring, with Bassong’s matchup against former Arsenal full-back Armand Traore headlining the night after the main event, featuring Nile Ranger and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas, was canceled due to Ranger failing a pre-fight medical.

This event was promoted as a North London clash between former Tottenham star Bassong and ex-Gunner Traore.

Bassong, who also played for Newcastle, Wolves, and Norwich during his Premier League career, displayed impressive skills as he took command of the bout, which was halted in the third round.

Charles, who was interviewed in the ring after the fight, stated: “It was very impressive. I knew he would do it. This guy is so driven, and he’s such a competitor.”

“He spars with me and gives me a bloody hard time,” he added.

When asked if Bassong had the potential to become a world champion if he had been trained in boxing from a young age, Charles replied: “Without a shadow of a doubt. Because of his competitiveness.”

“He’s incredibly competitive. Someone with that mentality can achieve anything.”

Bassong entered the Pro Project Promotions event with some boxing experience, having developed a passion for the sport since retiring from football in 2019.

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The former Cameroon international told SunSport at a press conference in September: “I’ve been boxing for quite some time. I’ve been sparring.”

“I was supposed to have had a couple of fights by now. I got into boxing due to my competitive nature. I started taking it seriously two years ago.”

“As an athlete, I was looking for something very intense.”

“Nothing can replace the experience of football or match the level of playing in front of 60,000 fans. I sought something different, and boxing has provided that for me.”