"The NFL labor fight has led Ravens safety Tom Zbikowski to put on his boxing gloves. As football's impending work stoppage draws nearer, Zbikowski has decided to fight in a professional boxing match on March 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. It will mark his second pro fight and first since 2006. Zbikowski said it's not about the money. He estimates that he'll make $100 profit. He isn't motivated by the notoriety, either. Zbikowski is fighting on the undercard against an undetermined opponent. He just sees it as his best way to stay active. So, as the players prepare for a lockout, Zbikowski is going for knockouts. "It's an opportunity for me to do what I love," Zbikowski said. "It's tough to pass on. What am I going to do with my free time until August anyways? If you know me, I'd go nuts. It's not healthy for me to do nothing." NFL players' contracts prohibit them from activities in which the risk of injury is significant, but Zbikowski hasn't signed his tender as a restricted free agent. Technically, he's not under contract. A third-round draft pick by the Ravens in 2008, Zbikowski hasn't spoken to team officials about his decision to box. "I don't think there's much that they can say with all of this stuff going on," Zbikowski said. "They're not even allowed to talk to us after today. When they drafted me, they knew I had that one other fight before."" Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-sp-ravens-zbikowski-0304-20110303,0,2738674.story
