YouTube star turned boxer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul announced Tuesday that he will face MMA legend Anderson “The Spider” Silva on October 29 at the Gila River Arena in Phoenix, Arizona on Saturday, October 29. .
The contest, which takes place at a catchweight of 187 pounds, will headline a Showtime Pay-Per-View card.
In his last fight, in December, Paul (5-0, 4 KOs) brutally knocked out former UFC champion Tyrone Woodley.
Unlike Woodley and all of Paul’s previous opponents, Silva has boxing experience and defeated a real fighter, last year when he outpointed former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. He then knocked out Tito Ortiz in the first round, and earlier this year he came out strong with an exhibition fight.
“Anderson ‘The Spider’ Silva is the most versatile fighter the world has ever seen,” said Paul. “Just a year ago, he overpowered boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and showed the world why he is often considered the greatest boxer of all time.
“Every expert from mixed martial arts to boxing has said that Jake Paul will not fight Anderson Silva. They said that Jake Paul is afraid of Anderson Silva and that Jake Paul would lose to Anderson Silva. Well, for everyone who don’t believe: Jake Paul is fighting Anderson Silva. It’s an honor to have the opportunity to share the ring with the greatest UFC striker of all time. On Saturday, October 29, I will humbly walk to the ring, touch gloves with a living legend and I will do everything possible to exterminate ‘The Spider’”.
Silva, who some punters have listed as the betting favourite, will be looking to make a statement against the youngster.
“I know that everything in life has its purpose,” Silva said. “Nothing happens by chance. So, I thank God for my health, my family and my team for giving me this opportunity to continue doing what I love most. I believe this will be the biggest combat event of the year and will truly make history in the sport forever. See you on October 29.”
