MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS MAKES GOOD ON HIS PROMISE. SET FOR RING RETURN AT RUMBLE ON THE RIVER ON MAY 30th
He said he would be back. On May 30th, he makes good on that promise.
Uprising Promotions is proud to announce that former NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams will return to the boxing ring at Rumble on the River, taking place at Seaport Pier 16 in New York City on Saturday, May 30th. The event once again benefits Bigvision Community, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young adults in recovery from substance abuse.
Carter-Williams made his amateur boxing debut at Uprising Promotions’ Broad Street Brawl in May 2025, earning a unanimous decision victory over Sam Khatib in front of a packed house at the Léman Ballroom. The fight generated national media attention, leaving little doubt that the former NBA star had genuinely embraced the sport.
After the win, Carter-Williams made clear he was not done. Now he is back, and this time on an even bigger stage.
“Obviously, I’m excited to get back in the ring,” said Carter-Williams. “I did the Broad Street Brawl last year and had a great time. It was my first fight, so coming out of that, there were a lot of things I wanted to work on. Since then, I’ve been putting a lot of time and a lot of effort into working on those things. I’m just excited to showcase the hard work that I’ve been putting in.”
With an eye toward getting busier inside the ropes, Carter-Williams is treating Rumble on the River as the next step in a boxing journey that is only gaining momentum. At 6’5″ with the athleticism and competitive drive that carried him to the top of professional basketball, the former NBA Rookie of the Year has found in boxing an outlet that speaks to who he is as a competitor.
“Having Michael back for Rumble on the River is a big addition to what is going to be a spectacular night,” said Ronson Frank, President of Uprising Promotions. “He came in last year, handled his business, and showed the world he is serious about this. Now we get to see what he has been working on, and I think everyone is going to be impressed. The waterfront, the atmosphere, the cause. Everything about May 30th is bigger, and Michael Carter-Williams is a huge part of that.”
Presented by Uprising Promotions in association with HIIT the Deck Boxing Gym, Rumble on the River will feature a full card of amateur bouts alongside Carter-Williams’ return. The New York City boxing community has rallied around this event, with fighters already representing some of the area’s top gyms, including HIIT the Deck Boxing, The Last Round NYC, Gotham Gym, Revolution Training and the legendary Gleason’s Gym. The full lineup for the card will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tickets are on sale now starting at $75 for general admission, with ringside seats, VIP seating and limited VIP tables also available. Charitable donations to Bigvision Community can also be made directly. Doors open at 6 PM, with the first bell at 7 PM. Tickets and donation opportunities are available now. Any amateur fighters interested in competing on the card should email ronsonfrankboxing@gmail.com.
