Alex Pereira, the formidable two-weight UFC champion, has caught the attention of boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua, who recently encouraged Pereira to consider transitioning to boxing. This proposal comes on the heels of Pereira’s impressive retention of his light-heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka, solidifying his status as one of UFC’s brightest stars.
Pereira, known for his explosive knockout power and versatile fighting style, responded to Joshua’s suggestion with gratitude, acknowledging boxing as a long-held dream. However, at 37 years old, Pereira expressed reservations about embarking on a full-fledged boxing career, citing his age as a limiting factor.
Anthony Joshua, no stranger to the spotlight himself as a two-time heavyweight champion, responded encouragingly, highlighting the abundance of opportunities available to Pereira should he decide to make the leap to professional boxing. Joshua, who has faced both Francis Ngannou and Tyson Fury in the ring, emphasized the potential for Pereira to make a significant impact in the sport.
Pereira’s journey to MMA stardom began with a background in kickboxing, where he excelled before transitioning to the octagon in 2021. His swift rise to prominence included headlining UFC events and stepping in as a late replacement for marquee fights, showcasing his willingness to challenge himself against the best in the business.
Notably, Pereira would not be the first MMA star to venture into the realm of boxing in recent times. Francis Ngannou, former UFC heavyweight champion, made headlines with his foray into boxing, facing off against the likes of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. While Ngannou’s boxing debut against Fury showed promise, his match against Joshua ended in a second-round knockout, underscoring the challenges faced by MMA fighters transitioning to the boxing ring.
Looking ahead, the prospect of Pereira potentially crossing over to boxing opens up intriguing possibilities for both sports. His explosive fighting style and championship pedigree in MMA could attract considerable attention and fanfare in the boxing world, setting the stage for compelling matchups against established names in the heavyweight division.
As the conversation between Anthony Joshua and Alex Pereira continues, the sports world eagerly awaits further developments. Whether Pereira decides to seize the opportunity and make a debut in professional boxing remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his potential entrance would undoubtedly add excitement and new dynamics to the ever-evolving landscape of combat sports.
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