How would Alex Pereira fare in boxing? Predicting 'Poatan's' chances in light of Anthony Joshua's recent tweet

Alex Pereira has forged a legacy as a bonafide legend in kickboxing and MMA. He previously held the middleweight (85 kg/187.4-pound) and light heavyweight (95 kg/209.4-pound) titles in Glory Kickboxing. After his UFC debut in Nov. 2021, 'Poatan' won the UFC middleweight (185-pound) title and the UFC light heavyweight (205-pound) title.

Boxing's ex-unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua recently tweeted that Pereira should cross over to the squared circle. Pereira responded to the 34-year-old Joshua by suggesting that at 37, he's unlikely to carve a full-fledged career in boxing. Nevertheless, he did request 'AJ' to recommend someone he could fight:

"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?"

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How would Alex Pereira fare in boxing?

Alex Pereira's kickboxing and MMA world title wins came in weight classes from the 185-pound to 209.4-pound range. In boxing, it'd translate to competing in the cruiserweight (200-pound or below), bridgerweight (224-pound or below), and/or heavyweight (200-pound-plus) division.

The current major world titleholders currently are Oleksandr Usyk (WBA Super, WBC, WBO, Ring Magazine), Mahmoud Charr (WBA Regular), Joseph Parker (WBO interim), and Daniel Dubois (IBF). Presently, Alex Pereira's best path to high-profile fights would be at heavyweight.

Incidentally, Pereira's lone professional boxing bout thus far has come at heavyweight, a third-round TKO victory against Marcelo de Souza Cruz in June 2017.

Additionally, at 6'4" with a 79-inch reach, he surely wouldn't be at a major size disadvantage, though there are a few giants in heavyweight boxing. The current consensus lineal heavyweight kingpin is Usyk, who stands at 6'3".

In boxing, his ferocious elbows, knees, and kicks would be off the table. Fortunately, he's an excellent puncher too, possessing otherwordly power in both hands, especially in his widely revered left hook.

Pereira's KO power would make him a great addition to boxing's heavyweight division. With the UFC heavyweight title picture locked up, as the Jon Jones-Stipe Miocic and Tom Aspinall-Curtis Blaydes fights play out in 2024, he could move from heavyweight boxing sparring to heavyweight boxing competition this year.

The striking savant's knowledge of range and timing would make for truly interesting stylistic clashes against top-tier heavyweights such as Oleksandr Usyk, Tyson Fury, Daniel Dubois, Joseph Parker, Anthony Joshua, and Zhilei Zhang.

That said, Alex Pereira has to adopt a cautious strategy against experienced boxers, unlike the excessive aggression that ex-UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou used and got knocked out.

Pereira would likely box behind his jab and craftily set up the power punches. With many demanding the Usyk-Fury rematch next, 'Poatan' could target a boxing match against one of the other heavyweight elites, provided the UFC contractually permits him.

A one/two-fight boxing quest would be fun, but Pereira beating a boxing world champion is highly unlikely unless he catches them clean (tough to do against experienced boxers). However, if anyone can pull off winning world titles in MMA, kickboxing, and boxing, it's 'Poatan'!