Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – Taking up boxing after a career in the NBA. The protagonist of the story is Michael Carter-Williams (now 33), elected rookie of the year in 2014. On May 29, the former basketball player will make his boxing debut in New York, against 36-year-old Sam Khativ. The three-round heavyweight match will take place at the Leman Ballroom in an event organized to raise funds for a non-profit organization that helps in the recovery process from drug addiction.
But who is Carter-Williams? Born on October 10, 1991 in Hamilton, Massachusetts, Michael began his sports career with basketball and was a star at Syracuse College before being selected in the 2013 NBA draft, when he was chosen (with the number 11) by Philadelphia. An imposing guard (96 meters tall), Carter-Williams immediately managed to steal the show, becoming a starter in his first year as a rookie and later being awarded "Rookie of the Year" (best young player of the season).
His adventure in the NBA lasted a decade: Carter-Williams ended his basketball career in 2013, after wearing the jerseys of the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic. His adventure in boxing, after a period of detachment from professional sports, experienced as a commentator for NCAA basketball, could open a new chapter.
Carter-Williams is just one of the many champions who, at a certain point, decided to change sports. One of the most recent examples is Diego Forlan, who last November made his debut on the ATP circuit, starting to have fun with tennis after a career as a footballer. Another illustrious case is Michael Jordan, who after winning three NBA titles and as many MVPs with the Chicago Bulls, decided in 1993 to dedicate himself to baseball and was hired by the Chicago White Sox, one of the most important teams in Major League Baseball. His adventure, however, was not very fortunate and after a year and a half MJ returned to the NBA winning another three championships with the Bulls.
In Italy, an example of sporting versatility is Valentino Rossi. The former pilot, nine titles won in MotoGP, once he abandoned the motorbikes reinvented himself as a rally pilot, a passion cultivated also during his career on two wheels.
Even Usain Bolt, after retiring from athletics, tried to change his life. The Jamaican legend, who won eight Olympic gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters and relay, decided to follow his dream of becoming a professional footballer. Bolt, who has always been a big Manchester United fan, played a charity match at Old Trafford and was hired by several clubs around the world, who sensed the opportunity mainly for marketing reasons. Bolt first played in Norway with Stromsgodset, then moved to Australia with the Central Coast Mariners. In the end, however, after also training with Borussia Dortmund, he decided to retire, admitting: "I don't want to say I didn't believe in it, but I think we didn't do it the way we should have. I learned the lesson, you live and you learn".
Paolo Maldini also had a brief stint in professional tennis, debuting in doubles at the Milan Challenger, but retiring immediately after the defeat. Former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is still active, having defended the posts for the Guildford Phoenix, an English ice hockey team. Gareth Bale also reinvented himself, becoming a professional golfer after the controversy over his “first Wales, then golf and then Real Madrid” attitude. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand devoted himself to boxing once he hung up his boots, while former Inter player Ivan Perisic made his debut in beach volleyball.
Another old acquaintance of Serie A, Gabriel Omar Batistuta, dabbled in polo, with a brief stint as a professional. Former Formula 1 driver Jenson Button now enjoys triathlon, an IronMan discipline. Incredible stories are those of Bo Jackson and Deion Sanders, who in the 90s were able to play American football and baseball at the same time.