“Most spectacular event in the history of sports” – Michael Jordan was once offered FIVE TIMES his annual salary to box Evander Holyfield

Discover why Michael Jordan turned down a $15 million boxing offer and the remarkable story behind his decision in 1994.

“Most spectacular event in the history of sports” – Michael Jordan was once offered FIVE TIMES his annual salary to box Evander Holyfield

Michel Jordan and Evander Holyfield courtesy Getty Images

We see a strange trend among ex-NBA players in today’s society when they enter the boxing ring to show off their fighting skills. Some basketball players, like Deron Williams and Nate Robinson, have switched to boxing gloves in an effort to demonstrate their fighting ability. However, long before this unusual type of entertainment became well-liked, Michael Jordan, who is recognised as the greatest basketball player of all time, received an incredible opportunity to enter the boxing ring.

In 1994, Michael Jordan had just announced his first-ever retirement from the NBA, leaving a lasting legacy that would forever define the game. The competitive world of boxing provided a surprising opportunity amid speculations of a baseball career. With a guaranteed $15 million payoff to face the victor of the forthcoming Evander Holyfield vs. Michael Moorer heavyweight title fight on April 22 of that year, Main Events, a well-known boxing promotion firm, made Jordan an astonishing offer. With the opportunity to make up to $25 million from a single match, the potential was staggering.

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The suggestion was made to Jordan’s agent David Falk by boxing promoter Dan Duva, who was without a doubt serious about it. He said, “Michael Jordan fighting for the heavyweight championship would be the most spectacular event in the history of sports. This offer is not a joke. We are 100 percent serious,”

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Jordan started working out with the Chicago White Sox at the time while he was exploring a baseball career. Coaches and spectators appreciated his athleticism and determination, which made them wonder if he could succeed in another sport with a similar degree of transition.

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Michael Jordan’s wise refusal: Why he turned down a boxing challenge despite his legendary competitiveness?

It could be reasonable to believe that Michael Jordan would happily accept the challenge to compete against a boxing heavyweight like Holyfield or Moorer given his famed competitive drive.

Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan retired from basketball after his short stint with the Washington Wizards (AFP)

Jordan, on the other hand, responded directly to the offer when he heard about it, showing his self-awareness and respect for the sport of boxing: “I wouldn’t fight those guys if I had a gun in my hand.”

This hesitation to enter the ring was not an indication of Jordan’s frailty, but rather of his sagacity and humility. He recognised the need to keep in his lane and that boxing was very different from basketball. The offer was a stark reminder of Jordan’s massive influence during the 1990s. Even as he quit the sport that had made him a household name, fame was relentlessly after him.

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