76ers star boxes in Lagos

Jaylen Brown sparred in a boxing match on September 8 at NIS Gymnasium in Lagos, Nigeria, while visiting with his non-profit The 7uice Foundation. He fought southpaw stance and landed sharp jabs, though he admitted he didn't prepare for the bout.

“The metaphor is you gotta fight for what you want!”

His father was a pro boxer

Brown's father, Quinton Marselles Brown, had a professional boxing record of 33 wins, 18 losses, and 1 draw, with 25 knockouts. This family history influences Jaylen's interest in combat sports.

Brown wants to fight after basketball

At All-Star Weekend, Brown said he'd like to pursue UFC or boxing after his NBA career ends. He's also spoken to UFC president Dana White about fighting opportunities.

“Maybe post part of my career I'd love to partake in something like UFC or even boxing.”

Training in Muay Thai since 2023

Brown started Muay Thai training after the Celtics lost to Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals. He credits the martial art with improving his hip flexibility, balance, and defensive positioning on the court.

“It's been great for opening up my hips, which is great for defense, but also being able to stay low, having greater balance.”

Combat sports violate NBA rules

The NBA collective bargaining agreement explicitly prohibits fighting, boxing, and wrestling. Players who get injured doing these activities lose their guaranteed salary protection.

“any fighting, boxing, or wrestling”

76ers haven't publicly addressed it

The Philadelphia 76ers have not commented on Brown's boxing match in Nigeria. Brown was recently traded from the Celtics and will report to training camp in three weeks.

Many players train in combat sports

Numerous NBA players incorporate boxing and martial arts into their offseason training for cardio and flexibility. However, actually fighting in the ring is different from training and violates league rules.