In an impressive match-up of skills and power, American boxer Raymond Ford met his match against Uzbekistan’s Otabek Kholmatov, winning the WBA world heavyweight title’s 12th round TKO. Following his scorecards, Ford managed to unleash the beast within him, hooking in during the last minutes to grab the title, thereby marking a milestone in his career. For obvious reasons, fans from across the world tuned in, and so did the NBA fraternity.

After the event was over, reactions started pouring in from all around. Among the millions of people voicing their support was 8x NBA All-Star Damian Lillard. He took to social media to share a story with his 10.4 Million followers. The post he shared highlighted Ford’s memorable win against his opponent. Lillard proceeded to write a caption alongside his story that read: “Yay @raysavage856. That was big time” accompanied by three ‘flexed biceps’ emojis.

The caption was an indication that the Milwaukee Bucks were keeping tabs on the fight and were quite happy with how the result turned out to be.

Damian Lillard and his love for wrestling

Damian Lillard, just like Shaquille O’Neal, is a part of the intimate group of members of the NBA fraternity who also share an interest in professional wrestling. From sharing his thoughts on the many high-profile fights that keep taking place to having his likeness appear as a playable character in the video game WWE 2K Battlegrounds, fans are often reminded of the connection shared between the basketball player and the world of pro wrestling.

During an interview with ‘The Players Tribune’ back in 2019, Lillard provided some insight into his childhood. In the midst of the same, he highlighted that entering the NBA wasn’t even the first thing that he considered as a career option. “This didn’t start with basketball. Go on and ask my bro. I was not trying to be an NBA player,” Lillard said during the interview. “The league wasn’t the plan. I was trying to be the Ultimate Warrior, bruh.”

During the same interview, Dame’s brother Houston revealed that as kids they would always attempt to initiate a fight by imitating their favourite wrestlers. “I’d whup him every night. And the next night, at some point, he’d come back for more, hollering, ‘Hou! Hou! Come be Triple H!’” revealed Houston.

Damian Lillard may not have had his dream of being a professional wrestler, he still, however, seems to have established his presence in another sport, which remains the envy of many aspiring players.

READ MORE: “I Was So Depressed”: Fallen NFL Icon Discloses How LeBron James Gave Him a Fighting Chance