Boxing News: NBA All-Star Professes His Love For 'Sweet Science'

Boxing is easily one of the most popular sports in the world. There’s nothing like watching two highly-skilled competitors test each other in one of the purest forms of combat there is.

As such, boxing has made fans of millions of people all over the world, including some of the most popular athletes in other sports as well.

Back when live crowds were still allowed to pack arenas, the big-name boxing matches used to always draw in all sorts of star athletes.

One such star athlete from another sport that is an avid fan of the "Sweet Science" is NBA superstar Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.

Lillard, who was recently named to his sixth NBA All-Star Game, is one of the most popular players in the league today, not to mention a really good rapper. He’s also a huge boxing fanatic.

If you happen to follow Lillard on Twitter, you would know that he often reacts to boxing matches and often engages fans in discussions about the sport.

Lillard famously talked to former two-division champion Andre Ward, whom he names as his favorite boxer, on FaceTime after Teofimo Lopez defeated Vasily Lomachenko.

The prominent NBA plater predicted that Lopez would edge out the seemingly invincible Lomachenko.

During the offseason, Lillard himself also gets some rounds in.

In a recent interview with ESPN, Lillard explained just how much he studies boxing.

“I really watch. I watch every interview of every fighter, whether that’s Andre Ward, [Jaron] “Boots” Ennis, [Guillermo] Rigondeaux, or Josesito Lopez. From the top fighter to whoever, I know who they are, I’ve heard them speak and I know who they trainer is, I’ve heard them speak, I’ve seen they fights, I just be on point with all that stuff,” said Lillard.

Lillard added that he also takes notes from other people in the sport, including coaches and promoters.

“I listen to promoters, fighters, trainers, I’m listening to all these people, I listen to everything so I be knowing," he stated. "I have a good idea of what I’m watching.”

Without a doubt, Dame is an ardent student of the "Sweet Science."