Nick Kyrgios Is Already Eyeing A Boxing Career For When He Retires From Tennis
Nick Kyrgios has been sidelined for the better part of 18 months while dealing with several injuries. With time spent away from the tennis court, the ‘bad boy’ of the sport has done some broadcasting work, started his own podcast, and apparently thought about what's next for him after he eventually retires from the sport.
It turns out that the 29-year-old would like to step into the boxing ring. Given that everyone with celebrity status seems to be getting into boxing these days, Kyrgios jumping into the ring seems like a natural progression.
Kyrgios shared his desire to trade the tennis racket for a pair of boxing gloves during an Instagram Q&A on Monday. One of his followers asked if he would ever accept a boxing match, and Kyrgios explained that he absolutely would.
"Yeah I would at the end of my tennis career. There are a couple of people I'd call out," Kyrgios explained.
The Australian may already have his sights set on former rival Bernard Tomic, who actually challenged Kyrgios to a boxing match in 2022.
"You know what? Let's sort this out in the boxing ring. Put your gloves on, I'll dominate you there also. Let's see who's better once and for all," Tomic said two years ago, per the Daily Mail.
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios arrives on crutches to the magistrate's court in Canberra. (Photo by SAEED KHAN / AFP) (Photo by SAEED KHAN/AFP via Getty Images)
Kyrgios would be doing Tomic a favor by accepting a match against him given that his name is far more recognizable than his fellow Aussie's from a global perspective.
"Maybe one day my brother we can later on when my career winds down," Kyrgios said at the time before taking some subtle jabs at Tomic's expense.
"But I'm too occupied at the moment bro, preparing for tournaments like Wimbledon and stuff. I hope everything is well, let's put this to bed. I'll verse you when I verse you if you can get back to the top and to the main tour"
"But as for now, I think you've got some bigger life challenges ahead brother, so best of luck."
While many of the ‘celebrity’ boxing matches have been complete flops, Kyrgios stepping into the ring when he steps away from tennis would undoubtedly draw eyeballs. Like him or not, he's one of the most electric athletes in the world and has a brand both on and off the court that grabs people's attention.