Metta World Peace wants to box

Boxing For World Peace

The basketball player formally known as Ron Artest is closing in on a professional boxing contract. Metta World Peace, as he is known today, never hid his desire to get into fighting after his NBA career ends. His dad, Ron Artest, Sr. was an amateur boxer. Now the Lakers star is moving forward with his plans to tackle the sweet science.

Elie Seckbach, a reporter for boxing site EsNews, caught up with World Peace before Wednesday night's game with the Clippers. After being asked about Floyd "Money" Mayweather being sentenced to 90 days in jail, Metta dropped his plans to sign with the boxer's promotion company.

"I know Floyd, Money Team. I actually might sign to Floyd Mayweather's promotion," World Peace said. "I was talking to Lou DiBella and I was talking to Floyd. Briefly spoke to Bob Arum, but I think I'm going to sign with Floyd Mayweather. I'm going to fight as a professional later."

Kobe's thoughts?

Kobe was asked if his reaction to his teammate World Peace closing in on a professional boxing contract: "If he (World Peace) wants to box, he can do that all he wants. He'll have to do it after the season and maybe someplace else," Kobe told Seckbach.

There's nothing wrong with having another interests and seeking a change in career, something he's obviously saving until after he's done playing in the NBA. Still, you'd think at this point all he'd be focusing on and talking about is the upcoming season.

He's certainly living up to the name.

Floyd Promotions? Metta will sign contracts in jail where Mayweather will live for the next 5 years

Floyd Promotions? Metta will sign contracts in jail where Mayweather will live for the next 5 years

90 days =/= (for the uninitiated thats a does not equals sign) 5 years...