Anderson Silva To Box Julio César Chávez Jr. On June 19
Anderson Silva is one of the greatest mixed martial artists to have ever entered the octagon. However, at the age of 45, he is no longer able to keep up with the ever-advancing talent pool in the UFC.
Following his loss to Uriah Hall in 2020, Anderson Silva was released from the UFC. However, that only closed the door to one avenue of combat sports.
‘The Spider’ is now set to venture over to the sport of Boxing. According to a report via TMZ, Silva will face off against Julio César Chávez Jr. on June 19.
“When I look back at my journey, I see that nothing has been in vain,” Silva said … “I am extremely happy for the opportunity to test my boxing skills with Julio César Chávez Jr.”
“I train continuously, always striving for resilience and to overcome obstacles. Fighting is my everlasting breath” (transcribed via TMZ).
Silva’s opponent has also issued a statement regarding the fight, stating: “I have rededicated myself to the sport that I love and I will be ready to face anyone in the Light Heavyweight division starting with Silva”
“I will be prepared to be victorious on June 19.”
The event is set to take place at Jalisco Stadium, Guadalajara, Mexico and has been given the title “Tribute to the Kings.” Silva is a former UFC middleweight champion, and went on one of the most impressive title runs in UFC history. ‘The Spider’ KO’d high calibre fighters such as Forrest Griffen, Rich Franklin and Chael Sonnen.
Chávez Jr. holds an impressive 52-5-1 record as a professional boxer, and is coming off a win over Jeyson Minda via 4th round TKO in late 2020.