Former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has confirmed that he will not be pursuing a career in professional boxing in the near future, stating that the financial demands to return to the ring are too high. This decision comes as he prepares to make his return to the UFC later this year.
Adesanya, who is a two-time middleweight champion under UFC President Dana White, has been inactive since September of the previous year when he suffered a defeat, marking the second title loss in a single calendar year.
He is set to make a comeback in a middleweight title fight against his South African rival Drikas du Plessis, representing City Kickboxing, later this year. Adesanya also revealed that he turned down a title grudge match offered to him at UFC 300.
Israel Adesanya Reflects on Potential Boxing Career
Prior to the fight between former world champion Anthony Joshua and Adesanya’s friend and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, Adesanya hinted at a possible return to boxing when he faces Tyson Fury in August. “I’ve never really thought about stepping into a boxing ring, as I feel like I’ve already achieved a lot in that aspect,” said Israel Adesanya in a recent interview on his YouTube channel. “With a record of 6-1, it would require a significant offer for me to consider returning. The UFC has been treating me well, but the financial side is a major factor.”
In his last UFC appearance, Adesanya faced a defeat against former champion Sean Strickland, vowing to seek redemption before retiring from an illustrious career.
When can we expect to see Israel Adesanya back in the octagon?
