The Dallas Mavericks chased after Deron Williams for years before finally landing him in 2015. It was a homecoming for the 6’3 guard, who played his high school basketball at The Colony. Williams was 31 years old, but still a productive point guard by the time he came back to Dallas.
The Mavs made the playoffs in 2016 but were knocked out in the first round by the Oklahoma City Thunder after D-Will suffered an abdominal injury that limited him to just three games. Dallas waived him midway through the 2016-2017 season, and he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers and helped them reach the NBA Finals playing next to LeBron James.
That would be Deron Williams’ final NBA season, and he will make his professional boxing debut on Dec. 18 when he faces former Pro Bowl running back Frank Gore. It will be a four-round heavyweight bout, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. What should fans expect from the former Mavericks guard?
What to expect from former Mavericks guard Deron Williams in his boxing debut
Williams is an accomplished NBA player, but he is not just doing this boxing match for fun. The 37-year-old is part owner of the Fortis MMA gym in Dallas. D-Will is no stranger to combat sports. The Athletic detailed some of his accomplishments and his love for fighting (subscription required). Expect Williams to train hard over the next six weeks and be ready to put on a show come Dec. 18.
Frank Gore also has a love for boxing, and he has been training hard for his upcoming fight.
It will be an interesting style clash as Williams will have a significant height and reach advantage. D-Will is six inches taller, and his 6’6 wingspan should pay off in the ring.
The 37-year-old former Maverick also is no stranger to rolling with MMA contenders at his gym. This will be a boxing match, but consider Williams to have the experience advantage as both men are making their professional boxing debuts.
Dallas Mavericks fans should tune in on Dec. 18 and enjoy a fight night of boxing. Jake Paul is facing Tommy Fury in the main event, but seeing Deron Williams take on Frank Gore could be the highlight. It should be a fun 12 minutes in the ring, and it will be interesting to see how D-Will fares in his debut. Do not miss it.