NBA star Jaylen Brown makes boxing debut in Nigeria ahead of new season

Boston Celtics great Jaylen Brown has made his boxing debut in Nigeria, just six weeks before the start of the new NBA season.

The 29-year-old American took part in his first boxing bout in a move that came as a surprise both because of the decision itself and the location. Brown shared video of the contest on his official Instagram account and said he had entered the bout without any prior preparation.

Brown moved from Boston Celtics to Philadelphia 76ers this summer and is preparing to begin his first season with his new team. Philadelphia 76ers will open their campaign against New York Knicks on 21 October.

Although the bout was unexpected, combat sports are not unfamiliar to Brown. He has trained in boxing for several years, alongside Muay Thai, and has previously spoken about wanting to pursue a career in fighting after retiring from basketball.

Brown has also discussed that ambition with Dana White, president of UFC, as he considers the possibility of competing professionally in boxing or mixed martial arts once his basketball career is over.

His interest in boxing is partly influenced by his grandfather, Willie Brown, who trained alongside boxing legend Muhammad Ali. That connection has helped keep combat sports a significant part of Jaylen Brown’s athletic interests away from the basketball court.

Brown is one of the NBA’s leading players. He has been selected for the All-Star Game five times and won the 2024 Finals MVP award after guiding Boston Celtics to the championship.

His boxing appearance comes during the final part of the off-season, with Brown now focused on his move to Philadelphia 76ers and the start of a new chapter in his NBA career. For now, a professional future in boxing or UFC remains an ambition he plans to explore after basketball.