From NBA Court to Boxing Ring: Michael Carter-Williams Scores Unanimous Decision
Michael Carter-Williams, the 2014 NBA Rookie of the Year, has traded his basketball shoes for boxing gloves, making a triumphant debut in the ring. The 33-year-old former point guard secured a unanimous decision victory against Sam Khatib in a three-round heavyweight bout at the broad Street Brawl in New York.This marked Carter-Williams’ first foray into amateur boxing.
“Scratching That Itch” for Competition
Carter-Williams retired from professional basketball in October 2024. In an interview on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” he explained that boxing helps him scratch that itch
for competition. He last played for the Orlando Magic during the 2022-23 NBA season, averaging 4.3 points in four games.
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 that fight.
Michael Carter-Williams on “The Ariel Helwani Show”
A Look back at His NBA Career
drafted out of Syracuse, Carter-williams made an immediate impact with the Philadelphia 76ers. He earned the 2014 NBA Rookie of the Year award after averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 assists, and 6.2 rebounds in 70 games. his NBA journey spanned nine years, during which he played for six different teams:
- Philadelphia 76ers (2013-2015)
- Milwaukee Bucks (2015-2016)
- Chicago Bulls (2016-2017)
- Charlotte Hornets (2017-2018)
- Houston Rockets (2018-2019)
- Orlando Magic (2019-2023)
Taking It One Step at a Time
Carter-Williams is approaching his boxing career with a measured perspective. The 6-foot-5 athlete stated he’s taking it one step at a time.
He acknowledged the path for former professional athletes in boxing, but remains focused on continuous betterment.
I don’t know where it’s going to take me or where it’s going to lead me. 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.
Michael Carter-Williams on May 12, 2025
