Michael Carter-Williams Enters the Boxing Ring
Michael Carter-Williams has officially made his mark in the world of amateur boxing, boasting a perfect record of 1-0 after his first fight. The former NBA player, who gained fame as the Rookie of the Year in the 2013-14 season, recently competed in a heavyweight bout against Sam Khativ in a charity event called the Broad Street Brawl, held in New York City. In this three-round match, which took place on Thursday, Carter-Williams showcased his skills and determination, earning a decision victory over Khativ, who is 36 years old.
A New Chapter Post-Basketball
Carter-Williams, now 33, is well-remembered for his nine-year tenure in the NBA, where he played for teams including the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Chicago Bulls, among others. He hung up his basketball shoes in 2023 but has not let go of his competitive spirit. His transition to amateur boxing is not entirely surprising; he has often expressed a deep-rooted passion for combat sports.
The Motivation Behind Boxing
In a recent interview with The Ariel Helwani Show, Carter-Williams revealed that the idea of boxing had been on his mind for quite some time.
“I think it’s just to scratch that itch,”
he remarked, adding,
“I’ve been competing my whole life, and I want to continue to compete.”
He indicated that his boxing journey might not end with just this singular fight, stating,
“I want to keep getting better at it.”
Physical Attributes and Future Aspirations
Standing tall at 6-foot-5, with an impressive 8-foot-5 reach, Carter-Williams possesses the physical attributes that could potentially lead to success in the boxing arena if he pursues it wholeheartedly. He also mentioned the existence of pathways for former professional athletes in boxing, hinting at his interest in possibly participating in numerous bouts in the future, as he gets more comfortable in the ring alongside his friends who are also fighters.
Supporting a Noble Cause
Moreover, this event served a noble cause, as the proceeds were directed towards Bigvision Community, a nonprofit organization focused on helping young adults in their recovery from substance abuse. This emphasizes the importance of community involvement alongside his athletic endeavors.
Highlighting the Debut
A highlight reel from his debut can be found on social media, which captures the excitement of Carter-Williams’ first foray into boxing, marking a new chapter in his life after basketball that promises both challenge and opportunity.
