Jarrell Miller isn’t the only notable “Big Baby” in the world of boxing.
Former NBA player Glen Davis enters as the latest crossover athlete to test the waters in professional boxing with a debut match set on the Jake Paul undercard Aug. 13 at a location and venue to be announced.
Davis confirmed the news on his social media after an initial report Thursday by The Athletic.
No opponent has been announced, though the initial report stated Most Valuable Promotions originally sought former NBA player Larry Sanders. However, Sanders was contractually tied to BIG3, a three-on-three basketball league featuring former NBA players, so the boxing promotion has redirected. According to a follow-up report by ESPN, the Jake Paul-headed promotion is seeking for a former WWE superstar to fight Davis.
Davis, 36, played eight seasons in the NBA from 2007-2015 after a successful three-year stint for Louisiana State University. He was a member of the 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics, for whom he frequently played a supporting role off the bench. He quickly became a fan favorite for his colorful personality and humor during his time in Boston.
While he has no prior combat sports competition to his name, Davis trained MMA at Wai Kru in Allston, Mass., during his time with the Celtics and appeared as a UFC guest at the UFC Fan Expo in 2010.
Since his NBA career ended, Davis made stops in Croatia and BIG3.
In recent years, Davis has encountered legal troubles. He was arrested in 2018 for drug possession and distribution. Davis paid a fine and the case was indefinitely suspended. Later that year, Davis pled no contest to an assault charge after he was arrested for an alleged fight outside of a Los Angeles nightclub. In October 2021, Davis was one of 18 former NBA players arrested in an alleged health care fraud scheme. The case is still ongoing.
Davis has made recent appearances at Celtics games, including Kevin Garnett’s retirement ceremony. He also embarked on a small comedy tour during his time back in Boston.
