Controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and UFC legend Anderson Silva both hit the pads yesterday ahead of Saturday’s intriguing clash.
Jake Paul has undeniably caused a stir in the boxing world since making the switch from YouTube, going unbeaten as a pro whilst accumulating four knockouts and five wins. However, as the quality of his opposition continues to increase, many fans believe that it is only a matter of time until his hot streak comes to an end.
This weekend’s task represents Paul’s toughest challenge to date, as he takes on his first opponent to have previously stepped in a boxing ring, with ‘Spider’ Silva having a record of 3-1 and holding a respectable win over former WBC middleweight world champion, Julio César Chavez Jr. It seems that Paul and his trainer, former cruiserweight world title challenger BJ Flores, have recognised the threat of Silva. The hard work they’ve put it in behind the scenes was there to see, as Paul looked sharp on the pads.
Jake Paul is faaassst 💨💨 #PaulSilvapic.twitter.com/zRMxePaC5a
— Ben Davis (@BenTheBaneDavis) October 27, 2022
Whist Paul and his team acknowledge the dangers of fighting fan-favourite Anderson Silva, The Mirror reports how ‘The Problem Child’ believes that once the pair step in the ring, it will be he who takes the role of the aggressor and counters the unorthodox style of ‘Spider’ Silva.
“He’s awkward, unorthodox, likes to have fun and dance in the ring,”
“We had sparring partners that emulated his style as much as possible, but all of that goes out of the window when you are getting pieced up. He can do all of that fun stuff and the awkwardness, but there are parts of the body that don’t move.”
Meanwhile, Brazilian Silva has had plenty of fun dancing with his opponent in the build-up to the fight. In the open workout though, he shows he’s taking the fight seriously, keeping the unique style that served him so well in the Octagon. However, with his hands used to being low to stop takedowns in the UFC, it will be interesting to see how, or if, he adjusts to a more appropriate boxing style.
'The Spider' hits mits 🕷🥊 #PaulSilvapic.twitter.com/obETxYejZE
— MMAFighting.com (@MMAFighting) October 27, 2022
Jake Paul and Anderson Silva go toe-to-toe on Saturday night in an eight-round fight at a catchweight of 187lbs. The fight will be available to purchase on FITE TV for UK fans and Showtime for those in the US.