Jaylen Brown Boxes in Nigeria, Says He Had 'Zero Prep'
Jaylen Brown boxed in Nigeria with no prep during a charity trip, drawing comparisons to Nate Robinson and Shaq's crossover boxing moments.
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NBA star Jaylen Brown boxed in an exhibition bout in Nigeria this offseason, posting afterward that he "did 0 prep for this." The newly signed Philadelphia 76ers wing traveled to Nigeria as part of one of his charity initiatives, and the boxing match was arranged in connection with that trip rather than as a serious professional bout.
Brown, who is set to earn $58 million this season and a combined $126 million over the following two years on his new deal, treated the outing more like a lighthearted spar than a real fight. Given the money on the line for his actual day job, it was a low-risk stunt as long as his opponent stuck to the script.
Why Jaylen Brown Has a Boxing Background
Jaylen Brown's interest in the sweet science traces back to his family. His father, Quenton Marselles Brown, is a former WBU heavyweight champion, which explains where the comfort in the ring comes from even without gym time logged beforehand. Quenton Brown was charged with attempted murder last year following a stabbing incident that stemmed from a parking dispute.
Athletes crossing over from basketball into boxing is nothing new. Nate Robinson, a multiple-time NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, became Jake Paul's first professional opponent and suffered a viral knockout that helped kickstart Paul's combat sports career. Shaquille O'Neal has also stayed close to the fight game, showing up at UFC events and reportedly investing in BKFC back in 2021.
There's no betting market for a charity exhibition like this one, and it shouldn't be confused with a real prizefight. But novelty crossover bouts have proven they can move real money once promoters attach stakes and a full camp, as Jake Paul's run has shown.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Jaylen Brown really box in Nigeria?
Yes, NBA star Jaylen Brown took part in an exhibition boxing match in Nigeria during a charity trip and said afterward that he had done zero preparation for it.
Is Jaylen Brown's father a boxer?
Yes, Jaylen Brown's father, Quenton Marselles Brown, is a former WBU heavyweight champion.
Was Jaylen Brown's boxing match a real professional fight?
No, the bout was tied to one of Jaylen Brown's charity initiatives in Nigeria and functioned more like a spar than an actual professional boxing match.
