Beasley Knocks Out Delonte West at Brand Risk 16

The battle of former NBA players ended almost as soon as it started. Michael Beasley knocked out Delonte West in the opening round of their heavyweight boxing bout Friday night at Adin Ross's Brand Risk 16 inside the Brand Risk Arena in Miami, Florida.

West came out throwing heavy haymakers in search of an early finish, but the former Cleveland guard repeatedly found himself off balance, and Beasley punished the openings with his superior length and power. Several knockdowns later, the bout was over — so abruptly that the ring announcer mistakenly declared West the winner before the referee stepped in and raised Beasley's hand.

For Beasley, 37, it was redemption after losing his combat-sports debut at Brand Risk 14 in May. The No. 2 overall pick of the 2008 NBA Draft played 11 seasons across seven teams from 2008 to 2019. West, 43, was making his first walk into a boxing ring after eight NBA campaigns from 2004 to 2012. Ross used the broadcast to highlight West's participation, saying he made sure the former guard was paid well and expressing happiness at giving him the opportunity as he continues rebuilding his life. The card was headlined by Deshae Frost's first-round TKO of YK Osiris.