Former NBA Rookie Michael Carter-Williams Wins Amateur Heavyweight Boxing Debut in New York

Michael Carter-Williams, the 2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year, made a successful amateur boxing debut by defeating Sam Khatib in a three-round heavyweight bout at the Broad Street Brawl in New York. Retiring from professional basketball in 2024 after a nine-year NBA career, Carter-Williams has taken up boxing to satisfy his competitive drive and respect for combat sports. He revealed in interviews that boxing helps him stay mentally healthy and gives him a new avenue for competition post-retirement. Carter-Williams is approaching his boxing career cautiously, taking it one step at a time while remaining open to further matches. The bout also served a charitable cause, raising funds for Bigvision Community, which supports young adults recovering from substance abuse. Standing 6-foot-5 with an impressive reach, he fits the physical profile to potentially succeed in boxing if he commits to the sport.