Michael Jordan Once Rejected $25 Million Offer To Fight Evander Holyfield

Michael Jordan is undoubtedly one of basketball’s greatest players. He has been an inspiration to millions and has never shied away from any competition. He, however, turned down a multi-million-dollar offer to fight a boxer.

Jordan once refused to be in a ring with Evander Holyfield who offered $25 million for the bout. It was just after he announced his intentions to step away from the game. Michael used to be a warrior in the court, fearless and ruthless however this time he probably was scared.

“I wouldn’t fight those guys if I had a gun in my hand.”

Given the recent flood of celebrity boxing matches, Jordan could’ve started an era of celeb fights before it was a thing. MJ was frequently seen golfing and gambling and was thought to be up for any competition in any domain. However, when the boxing offer came up, he pulled out for better.

This is one of the very few times MJ was seen backing out of fear. He once had a verbal altercation with Mike Tyson. Once out on a dinner, a drunk Mike got all fired up with Jordan while accusing him of messing with his girl. As per the witnesses, it was one of the instances when MJ was scared.

“Jordan looks like he just seen a ghost. ‘I know you messed with her,’ Mike says. ‘You can tell me.’ Jordan, it’s obvious he just wants to get up and run. He wants no part of this.”

Jordan had just barely escaped a beating at the time. He may have declined to take on Michael Moorer or Evander Holyfield as a result of his encounter with Mike Tyson. Jordan would have been far taller than Holyfield, but the disparity in strength and experience would have been too great.

Many celebs have tried their hand at boxing but Michael Jordan passed on the opportunity. Given the incident with Mike Tyson, it’s safe to say he took a wise decision and bailed out of the offer.

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