Anthony Joshua has urged Alex Pereira to pursue a career in boxing and offered him assistance.
Pereira, the current UFC champion, recently defeated Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 with another impressive performance. To end the show, he executed a powerful head kick.
Pereira has demonstrated incredible s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁 in the UFC.
‘Poatan’ has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, demonstrating his ability to deliver a devastating punch.
Former two-time boxing heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua backed Pereira on social media over the weekend, telling him to contact his management business to find an excellent debut opponent.
He wrote on Twitter: “Alex Pereira should make a boxing debut one day.”
Pereira then gave a heartfelt reaction, saying, “I’m honored you think so. It has always been my dream.
“I’m 37, I cannot make a career in it so who do you recommend I fight?”
Joshua responded, “The alternatives are unlimited, champ. I’m sure something can be done. Drop 258 mgt a line.”
Pereira may join a long list of UFC fighters who have made the jump to the squared circle.
He has already fought once in boxing at heavyweight, defeating Marcelo De Souza Cruz in 2017.
Pereira also has vast experience in kickboxing, having ruled as champion in the GLORY company.
Joshua had the highest regard for Pereira.
Francis Ngannou left the promotion to face Tyson Fury and, most recently, Anthony Joshua, where he was brutally halted.
The prospect of hefty paydays could entice the Brazilian, who could easily hit the heavyweight limit.
Given his focus on his UFC career, it is unlikely that he will continue a long-term boxing career.
The Brazilian has had a significant impact on the squad, winning titles in two weight categories.
Given Joshua’s praise, Pereira could now follow up and explore the option given he is starting to routinely take care of many of the challengers at light-heavyweight in the UFC.
The Brazilian has already drawn parallels to boxing legends Mike Tyson and Terence Crawford.
Teddy Atlas, a renowned boxing trainer, remarked, “He has radar. He has x-ray vision. He sees things that others do not see.
“Terence Crawford, the boxer, is that kind of guy. When you see something and you’re that calm, and you’re in that tranquil surroundings, all you can do is see it and react just a little bit faster.
“They call it timing, but he has unique timing because he is so serene and has those kind of eyes.
“Also, when you get these types of findings [from the staredown]. When a guy can see into your soul, it’s as if he’s peering right through.
“There was Sonny Liston, there was George Foreman, there was somebody named Mike Tyson — it worked for them.
“[Pereira’s opponents are] thinking, ‘How come he don’t feel like I feel like?’ That’s what they’re thinking!”