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Michael Jordan's priceless reaction to turning down $40m offer to fight for the world heavyweight title

Home> NBA

Published 15:15 8 May 2024 GMT+1

Michael Jordan's priceless reaction to turning down $40m offer to fight for the world heavyweight title

Michael Jordan's response to the lucrative offer was priceless.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Michael Jordan was offered a potential $40 million to box Evander Holyfield or Michael Moorer for the world heavyweight title - his reaction to the proposed deal was priceless.

Jordan's legendary career span over two sports as he enjoyed a legendary stint in basketball before trying his hand at baseball.

But he made his name in the NBA following his iconic spell at Chicago Bulls, where he won an impressive six championships.

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He was also presented with the opportunity to campaign in a third sport when he was offered a stunning deal to face Holyfield or Moorer in a boxing ring.

Jordan was tabled an outrageous deal where he'd challenge for the undisputed world heavyweight title.

Dan Duva, the promoter at the time, told his agent that they were serious about the offer.

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Duva was prepared to pay him a guaranteed $15 million and a further $25 million if he won the fight.

"Michael Jordan fighting for the heavyweight championship would be the most spectacular event in the history of sports," he said. "This offer is not a joke. We are 100 percent serious."

Despite Jordan's elite mindset and being a fierce competitor, he sensibly turned down the lucrative offer.

Evander Holyfield and Michael Moorer during their world title fight. Image: Getty
Evander Holyfield and Michael Moorer during their world title fight. Image: Getty

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As soon as he heard of the offer, he hilariously said: "I wouldn’t fight those guys if I had a gun in my hand."

In 1994, Jordan was still at the peak of his powers as he won three NBA championships after returning to the Bulls.

But he probably made the right call by not stepping in the ring with Holyfield or Moorer, who were also in their primes.

Without Jordan, Holyfield and Moorer fought each other not once but twice in the 90s.

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And they went 1-1 in their two-fight series, with Moorer winning the first clash to win the WBA and IBF titles before Holyfield won the rematch to defend his WBA title while claiming IBF belt.

Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: Michael Jordan, NBA

Nasir Jabbar
Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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@NasJabbar

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