Delonte West is trading basketball shoes for boxing gloves.
The former NBA guard has announced that he will step into the boxing ring next month. His opponent? Former No. 2 overall NBA Draft pick Michael Beasley.
The two former NBA players are set to face each other on October 16, 2026. And judging by the announcement, basketball fans are about to get a fight they probably did not have on their 2026 bingo cards.
West, 43, spent eight seasons in the NBA. He played for several teams during his career and became known for his toughness and competitive attitude.
Now he appears ready to test those qualities in an entirely different sport.
Over the past several months, West has also become increasingly active on social media. His latest announcement has certainly given his followers something new to discuss.
Apparently, the offseason now includes settling basketball careers with boxing gloves.
After his NBA career ended in 2012, West went through significant personal difficulties, including homelessness, mental health struggles and substance abuse.
In recent months, however, West has been much more active on social media, regularly sharing videos and updates while celebrating his sobriety.
During some of West’s most difficult years, former Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban was among those who stepped in to help him. Cuban helped West enter a rehabilitation program and reconnect with his family.
Beasley, meanwhile, has plenty of basketball experience of his own.
Beasley, meanwhile, was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft and last played in the NBA in 2019.
His most recent traditional professional basketball stint came in China in 2022, but Beasley has remained active on the court through Ice Cube’s BIG3 league.
He emerged as one of the competition’s biggest stars, winning back-to-back MVP awards in 2024 and 2025.
West has made his announcement, Beasley has an opponent.
And now everyone gets to wait and see which former NBA star still has a little fight left in him.
October 16 should be interesting!
