Alex Pereira Hints At His Boxing Debut – ‘Always Been My Dream’
Alex Pereira reacted to Anthony Joshua, who claimed that the UFC Lightweight Champion should take up boxing.
Pereira is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC. The two-weight world champion solidified his position as one of the best P4P fighters by knocking out Jiri Prochazka in their UFC 303 clash. It was the second time Pereira stopped Prochazka following his win at UFC 295. After the win, there were suggestions that Pereira could move up to heavyweight to target a third UFC title. Jon Jones has spoken about making that fight, stating it is much bigger than facing Tom Aspinall.
Pereira’s UFC Future
“There’s absolutely no fight that generates a payday like that. Marketing would be insane. Tom only matters in the U.K., newsflash. Pereira is one of the most polarizing figures this sport has seen. Tom’s a contender who won a belt against another contender. We had to save Madison Square Garden’s main event. I’m thinking dollar signs, legacy, big picture here. Not what U.K. fans are dying to see,” Jones revealed
Meanwhile, Aspinall has even welcomed that challenge, showing there is plenty of interest in facing Pereira.
“As we’ve seen with me, I’m not shying away from anybody. So, if the UFC wanna do that, I’m more than happy to do it. But, as an elite level fighter myself, you can’t help but be impressed with what Alex Pereira has done over the past couple of years. This time a few years ago, nobody knew who he was and now he’s one of the biggest starts in MMA. One of the best fighters in UFC history. I’ve really respected what he’s done. I absolutely want to fight him,” Aspinall stated
But a boxing fight could also be an alternative. Many MMA fighters have ventured into it. Conor McGregor boxed Floyd Mayweather in 2017, losing in a tenth-round stoppage. Francis Ngannou has also had two bouts, getting beat by Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. Meanwhile, Nate Diaz secured a majority decision win over Jorge Masvidal last week. Joshua suggested that Alex cross over to the sport.
Pereira In Boxing
“Alex Pereira should make a boxing debut one day,” Joshua
“I’m honored you think so. It’s always been my dream, I’m 37 I cannot make a career in it so who do you recommend I fight?” Pereira
If Pereira were to take a boxing fight, it would make sense to try and face a big name commercially who is not an elite fighter. Jake Paul could be a suitable candidate. He has fought various MMA fighters, including Tyron Woodley, Ben Askren and Nate Diaz. The Problem Child will also take on Mike Perry on July 20 after Mike Tyson pulled out of that clash. Paul fights at cruiserweight, while he will bulk up to heavyweight to face Tyson.
That gives Pereira a chance to take that fight since he fights at light heavyweight, but he can add on more pounds due to his big frame. The only problem with making that fight is that the UFC would have to give permission. Paul is not on good terms with Dana White, making that more difficult. Jake is also signed with the PFL, one of the UFC’s competitors. But if it is made, the fight will sell.
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