Michael Jordan is, without a doubt, one of the greatest minds in the history of sports. The NBA legend is known for his sheer determination, focus, and hard work. Above all, Jordan had a never give up mentality.
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The Chicago Bulls star never backed away from any challenge and that is what made him different from all. It is because of these aspects that we consider him to be the greatest athlete of the century. However, there was one challenge that Jordan declined and he just might have made the right decision.
Michael Jordan once refused to box Evander Holyfield
After a nine-season run with the Chicago Bulls, ‘His Airness’ announced his retirement before the 1993-94 season. Following that, the NBA greatest was considering making a career in baseball. However, he had a few other options on the plate, and one of them was boxing.
According to reports, boxing promoter Dan Duva offered the Chicago Bulls Hall of Famer an opportunity of $15 million and a heavyweight title. Jordan was offered a fight against the winner of Evander Holyfield vs. Michael Moorer.
“This offer is not a joke. We are 100 percent serious. It seems that Mr. Jordan loves the challenge of proving he is the best, regardless of the sport. . . . I would like to offer Michael the ultimate individual sports challenge, an opportunity to fight for the heavyweight championship of the world,” Duva said.
However, Jordan refused the offer by saying, “I wouldn’t fight those guys if I had a gun in my hand.” Both Moorer and Holyfield were some of the best heavyweight boxers at that time. Thus, a boxing debut against any one of those would have been extremely tough for the Chicago Bulls legend.
Joe Rogan speaks about Jordan’s mentality
As aforementioned, Jordan had one of the best mental strengths among the athletes. Thus, he is recognized as the greatest even today by many notables name in sports. One of them is a veteran UFC color commentator, Joe Rogan.
As much as Rogan likes MMA, he also watches other sports and has an admiration for its legends. Similarly, Rogan once talked about Jordan’s mentality and his obsession with winning.
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The UFC color commentator was of the opinion that Jordan had a ‘tremendous ego’ and wouldn’t afford to lose. He billed it as a ‘mental illness.’ However, Rogan also added that without that ‘mental illness,’ Jordan wouldn’t be what he is today.
What are your thoughts on Rogan’s words? What do you think about Jordan’s mentality? Do you guys think Jordan should have taken up the boxing offer?
