Former NBA star Michael Carter-Williams wins boxing debut, begins new chapter after basketball retirement
Michael Carter-Williams
, the 2014
NBA Rookie of the Year
, has successfully transitioned from the basketball court to the boxing ring. The 33-year-old made his amateur
boxing debut
at the Broad Street Brawl in New York City on May 29, securing a unanimous decision victory over 36-year-old Sam Khatib in a three-round heavyweight bout.
The event was more than just a sporting contest; it served a noble cause. Proceeds from the match benefited Bigvision Community, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young adults recovering from substance abuse.
Carter-Williams' journey to the ring is rooted in a lifelong passion for competition. In a recent interview on "The Ariel Helwani Show," he expressed his motivation: "I've been competing my whole life, and that's something I want to do. I want to continue to compete. I respect the sport (of boxing). I'm a big fan. I watch a lot. I've got a lot of friends who fight".
His
NBA
career, which began with a standout rookie season averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds per game, was marred by injuries that limited his playing time in subsequent years. After stints with several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Orlando Magic, he retired from professional basketball in October 2024.
Despite the challenges, Carter-Williams has found a new avenue to channel his competitive spirit. He has been training diligently, and his performance in the ring suggests a promising future in boxing. Promoter Ronson Frank of
Uprising Promotions
noted, "He is very prideful, athletic, and I think he can do well as an amateur fighter."
Live Events
Carter-Williams remains grounded and focused. "I don't know where it's going to take me or where it's going to lead me," he said. "I know that there's an avenue for people who played professional sports, who enter the boxing ring. There's a lane there. I don't know, I'm kind of taking it one step at a time. It's one of those things I definitely want to keep getting better at".
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