Considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, Anderson
Silva has decided to test himself in boxing for the first time
since 2005.
After announcing his departure from the UFC last year, “The
Spider” will face former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
on June 19 in a soccer stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. The
“Tribute to the Kings” card will feature Julio’s father, the
legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, in the main event against an as yet
to be announced opponent.
In a
video interview with AgFight’s Carlos Antunes, the former
middleweight champion discussed his upcoming bout as well as what
he perceives to be a lack of respect from “YouTubers.”
“I´m really happy to be able to test my skills in another area.
It´s such an amazing experience, but I’m totally aware that my
opponent has done this since his childhood,” Silva said. “I cannot
be arrogant enough to believe that I’ll have a highlight [victory]
like those disrespectful Youtubers out there.
“Of course I´m training a lot to win, but I’m aware that I’m
entering a new sport. Millions of fighters came before me and
dedicated their lives to conquer their space. Any fighter who came
from MMA, like myself, or some Youtuber, who never trained
anything, must respect the history and tradition of the boxing
world.”
Silva also admitted the possibility of making his dream fight
against boxing idol Roy Jones Jr. doesn’t seem likely to happen
anymore.
“Our fight might never happen, but we developed a nice
relationship,” Silva said. “Lately we exchanged some messages and
Roy wished me luck and told me to call him if I need help in my
camp.”
“The Spider” concluded the interview with some advice for Chris
Weidman, who suffered a gruesome leg break at UFC 261 that was
reminiscent of the injury Silva suffered in a title bout against
“The All-American” in December 2013.
“To tell you the truth I don’t watch MMA fights anymore, but my
sons do,” he said. “When Weidman broke his leg, they immediately
sent me the video and I was shocked. A ‘movie’ passed through my
mind recalling the drama I went through after the same
accident.
“All I can advise Weidman is to stay close to his family members
because next weeks will be really rough. But Chris has a champion’s
mind and I’m sure he will return stronger. I just wish the best to
him.”