sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
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

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

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.

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.

Advert

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.

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

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.

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.

X

@NasJabbar

Recommended reads

Tyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGettyTyson Fury targets Jon Jones clash as next move after boxing confirmedGetty“I don’t fight for a country” – Michael 'Venom' Page reveals why he won’t walk out with a flag at UFC LondonGeoff Stellfox/Getty ImagesLerone Murphy details ‘bucket list’ fight ahead of UFC LondonChris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Advert

  • The time Mike Tyson 'almost beat up' Michael Jordan at party in 1988
  • Michael Jordan gave his $331,000 Ferrari to sporting legend as a Christmas gift
  • "That's how we tip in Las Vegas" - Michael Jordan was once embarrassed in casino by another sporting legend
  • The truth behind Michael Jordan's $2.5 million Nike deal and the key figure who was overlooked

Choose your content:

an hour ago
15 hours ago
8 days ago
22 days ago
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    Steph Curry left stunned as teammate stretchered off after horrible freak injury

    Golden State Warriors star Moses Moody had to be stretchered off during the win over the Dallas Mavericks after a freak injury.

    NBA
  • Getty
    15 hours ago

    NCAA basketballer goes viral over astonishing height difference to 6ft 8in opponent

    Olivier Rioux, of the Florida Gators, stands at a towering 7ft 9in tall.

    NBA
  • Getty
    8 days ago

    Former NBA and NFL cheerleader reveals contract clause which can't be broken

    Maxxine Dupri performed as a cheerleader in both the NBA and the NFL and lifted the lid on the strict contract clause.

    NBA
  • Twitter/@dstnylttltn24
    22 days ago

    US basketballer shares terrifying footage after struggling to find safe room during strikes in Israel

    Destiny Littleton is currently playing basketball overseas in Jerusalem.

    NBA