Bob Probert could punch. Every hockey fan knows that — and certainly every player who ever faced him knows it even better. Standing 6’3″ and weighing in at 225 lbs, Probert could put fear into just about anyone. Even when he faced a professional boxer.
Bob Probert was one of the most feared players in the NHL during his 935-game career. In an era filled with tough guys, he stood out. He never backed down from a fight and threw punches like few others. But he could play hockey, too.
398 penalty minutes
In the 1987–88 season, Probert racked up 29 goals and 33 assists in 74 games for the Detroit Red Wings — all while spending an NHL season-high 398 minutes in the penalty box. That number still ranks sixth all-time for most penalty minutes in a single season.
During the summers, most hockey players work on their skating, shooting, or passing to improve their scoring. Not Bob Probert.
Bob Probert fought professional boxer
Alongside fellow Red Wings enforcer Joey Kocur, Probert trained at the legendary Kronk Gym in Detroit, receiving boxing lessons from former pro boxer Emanuel Steward.
Former pro boxer Ka-Dy King remembers how Probert made an impression at the gym — especially the day Probert hit him so hard it scared him.
“He brought in Bob Probert and two other younger guys. At first, Bob — believe it or not — was so green. I’m a skill guy, so Manny wanted me to work with him, not hurt him. Teach him different punches, throwing shorter punches,” King told The Hockey News.
“Then one day that motherf*cker punched me so hard. I mean really hard. I had to tell Manny, ‘If I can’t hit him, he’s gonna kill me!’”
A true fighter!
READ MORE: When Stu Grimson ran into Bob Probert at a restaurant
