Metta World Peace AKA Ron Artest vs. Rampage Jackson: Potential Charity Fight in the Works

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Ron Artest AKA Metta World Peace is using the NBA lockout to spend some time in the boxing ring.

However, his next opponent may pose a greater challenge than what he's been subjected to in previous sparring sessions.

According to Mr. World Peace's official Twitter page, the Lakers' forward and Quinton "Rampage" Jackson have agreed to go a few rounds in the boxing ring.

Rampage gonna test my chin for charity!! This will be the biggest heavyweight fight outside klits and haye!!

Obviously, there's a bit of exaggeration done by Artest to make his point, but it's clear that he's taking an unorthodox approach to his extended time off.

It's great that he's going to raise money for charity with the effort, but what if he gets hurt?

Seriously.

The Lakers have a sizable chunk of change invested in the defender, and instead of playing in a charity basketball game or attending important labor negotiations, World Peace is making plans to have a professional fighter do work on his chin.

Awesome.

World Peace posted some of the worst numbers of his career despite playing all 82 games for the Lakers last season.

Averaging just 29 minutes per game to go along with 8.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals, the gritty forward needs to make a superlative effort to return to form and show a commitment to the team that showed a commitment to him.

Again, I understand that the intent here is nothing but good, and he should be commended for the tremendous work he's done in the community that largely goes unnoticed by most fans.

However, this is the time training camp would've begun.

This is the time to focus on basketball.

I'm not mad that he's attempting to be creative in an effort boost his public image and do some charitable work. That's commendable.

He's donated an immense amount of money toward charitable efforts, but as a basketball fan, I'd like to see the player previously known as Ron Artest return to the hardwood the way that I remember him most fondly.

As a feared defender.

Most recent updates:

Flag

Props (0)