Michael Carter-Williams, former NBA Rookie of the Year, smashes foe in heavyweight boxing debut

The 2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year was successful in his amateur boxing debut, battering Sam Khativ in a three-round heavyweight contest at Broad Street Brawl in New York.

Michael Carter-Williams, former NBA Rookie of the Year, smashes foe in heavyweight boxing debut
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - FEBRUARY 24:  Michael Carter-Williams #7 of the Orlando Magic in action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on February 24, 2020 in New York City.  Orlando Magic defeated the Brooklyn Nets 115-113. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Michael Carter-Williams is now 1-0 as an amateur boxing. (Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
Mike Stobe via Getty Images

Michael Carter-Williams is undefeated in his new athletic venture. The 2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year was successful on Thursday night in his amateur boxing debut, battering Sam Khativ in a three-round heavyweight contest en route to a decision win at Broad Street Brawl in New York.

Carter-Williams, 33, is best known for a nine-year NBA career that saw him win the 2013-14 Rookie of the Year award with the Philadelphia 76ers. Carter-Williams also played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic before retiring from basketball in 2023.

Catch highlights of Carter-Williams' debut against the 36-year-old Khativ below, which raised funds for Bigvision Community, a nonprofit that aids young adults recovering from substance abuse.

A longtime combat sports fan, Carter-Williams told Uncrowned in a recent "The Ariel Helwani Show" appearance that stepping into the ring has long been a fascination for him and may not be a one-off.

"I think it's just to scratch that itch," he said. "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. I'm a big fan. I watch a lot. I've got a lot of friends that fight."

"I think I want to," Carter-Williams added of doing multiple boxing matches. "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

"I've thought about [the influencer angle]. I want to get this under my belt and go from there."

Standing 6-foot-5 with a monster 8-foot-5 standing reach, Carter-Williams certainly fits the physical profile of someone who could have a decent future in the ring if he decides to commit boxing full-time.