Tony Allen was found himself being on the receiving end of a punch by former Boston Celtics teammate Glen “Big Baby” Davis.
During a Q-&-A session with Michael C. Wright of NBA.com — Allen recounted a story where Paul Pierce brought boxing gloves so players on the team could settle their differences.
“I heard a story about y’all putting on the boxing gloves at practice one day to settle differences. Did this really happen?”
(Laughing) Yeah, man. The boxing gloves were definitely an idea from Paul Pierce. All I can remember is him bothering Patrick O’Bryant. Patrick O’Bryant was in there eating breakfast, and Paul Pierce didn’t like that he was eating breakfast before he got his workout in. He thought he should’ve been out there in the gym working with him, instead of chilling in there lounging. He said, “You know what, from now on I ain’t gonna raise my voice at nobody.” He said, “If I’ve got a problem, we’re putting on the gloves.” I found it real funny man. I’m like, “Yo, P, this dude is 7-feet tall and you’re trying to put some gloves on this athletic frame here?” He was like, “I’ve got gloves for everybody because I’m tired of everybody bickering.” Just in case, he had all sizes.”
Allen selected Davis as his opponent. That was not a good idea.
“So then it just became a funny thing. I was like, “Yo, OK. I know somebody I want to box.” Man, we came in there, and all I can remember is me picking out Glen Baby Davis. I remember me trying to get my first little couple of swings at him, and all I can remember is Glen Davis knocking me out. Boom. I fell. They said, “Awww, he’s knocked out.” They all started laughing and running. That was probably one of the most weird ways to bring in camaraderie and bring in love and togetherness. But it was funny, man.”
Allen played for the Celtics from 2004-10 and won a championship with the team before he would move on to the Memphis Grizzlies.
