You’ve probably seen the videos or heard the rumors floating around social media. Some guy with a quick wit and a familiar face is ducking punches, or maybe you saw a clip of him talking trash at a weigh-in. It makes you wonder: was Cedric the Entertainer a boxer before he became one of the Kings of Comedy?
The short answer is a hard no. Honestly, Cedric Antonio Kyles—the man we know as Cedric the Entertainer—never stepped into the ring as a professional or amateur pugilist. But that hasn't stopped the internet from getting confused, and frankly, there are some pretty funny reasons why this myth keeps popping up.
Why people think Cedric the Entertainer was a boxer
The confusion usually starts with a few specific things. First off, Cedric is a massive boxing fan. If there’s a big fight in Vegas, you can bet he’s sitting ringside, probably rocking one of his signature fedoras. He’s been a fixture in the boxing world for decades, not as a fighter, but as a high-profile supporter and commentator.
In late 2024, the rumor mill kicked into high gear when Cedric was announced as the official commentator for the highly publicized (and controversial) Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight. Seeing him on the broadcast, talking technical details and "sweet science" strategy, led a lot of casual viewers to assume he had some history in the sport. He doesn't. He’s just a guy from St. Louis who knows his way around a ringside seat.
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Then there’s the physical stuff. Cedric has always had that "big man" presence. In interviews, he’s joked about having "hands." He once told a reporter from ESNews that if he had to play a boxer in a movie, he’d probably go for someone like George Foreman. He even threw a few shadow-boxing combos for the camera to prove he’s got a bit of rhythm. It was all in good fun, but in the age of 15-second TikTok clips, a video of Cedric the Entertainer "boxing" is enough to start a whole new narrative.
The Cedric Jones mix-up
Another reason for the identity crisis is a different guy named Cedric. Cedric Jones was a real-life boxer and celebrity trainer who worked with big names in Hollywood. He actually appeared in movies playing a boxer because, well, he was one. When people Google "Cedric boxer," his name pops up alongside the comedian's, and the internet does what it does best: it mashes two different people into one legendary figure.
What Cedric was actually doing before comedy
If he wasn't in the gym hitting the heavy bag, what was he doing? Cedric’s actual "origin story" is way more corporate than you’d think. Before he was touring with Bernie Mac and Steve Harvey, he was a State Farm insurance claims adjuster.
Imagine that for a second. You get into a fender bender in the mid-80s, and Cedric the Entertainer shows up to look at your bumper.
He also spent some time as a substitute high school teacher. Honestly, that probably required more "fighting" spirit than actual boxing. He didn't commit to comedy full-time until the late 80s when he won a Miller Genuine Draft comedy search. From there, it was a straight shot to It's Showtime at the Apollo and eventually the stratosphere.
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His "boxing" roles in movies
While he’s never been a pro, Cedric has flirted with the sport on screen. In his long-running sitcom The Neighborhood, or even during his days on The Steve Harvey Show, his characters often referenced sports or showed off a "tough guy" persona for comedic effect. He’s a master of physical comedy, and he can mimic the movements of a fighter perfectly.
- Fact: He never fought in a sanctioned match.
- Fact: He worked in insurance before Hollywood.
- Fact: He is a legitimate boxing historian and fan.
The St. Louis connection
Growing up in the St. Louis area (specifically Berkeley, Missouri) meant being surrounded by a rich boxing culture. St. Louis has produced legends like Leon and Michael Spinks. Cedric has often talked about the grit of his hometown. He’s got that "don't mess with me" Missouri energy, which might be why people find it so easy to believe he’s got a background in combat sports.
Basically, he’s just a very athletic, coordinated big man. Anyone who’s seen him dance on stage knows he’s got better footwork than half the heavyweights in the division right now. But his "punches" have always been punchlines.
How to tell the difference
Next time you see a "was Cedric the Entertainer a boxer" thread on Reddit, you can set the record straight with these three points:
- Check the last name: If they're talking about a pro, it's likely Cedric Jones.
- Check the job history: Cedric Kyles went from insurance to the Apollo.
- Check the hat: If the "boxer" is wearing a perfectly coordinated fedora and suit while sitting 5 feet away from the ring, that’s our guy.
If you’re looking to see more of his actual (non-boxing) career, check out his latest work on The Neighborhood or his book Flipping Boxcars. He’s still one of the hardest-working men in show business, even if he’s doing it with a mic instead of gloves.
Next Steps for the curious:
Check out his 2024 commentary on the Tyson/Paul fight to see his boxing IQ in action. You can also look up his "Kings of BBQ" series if you want to see him fight a different opponent: a rack of ribs.