Former UFC stalwart Anderson Silva is just days away from his third professional boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, and feels that he is ‘lucky’ to be stepping inside the squared circle against his fellow middleweight boxer.
Although he established himself as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Anderson Silva has had the taste of boxing as well, although only making two pro bout appearances in his career as a pugilist.
His boxing debut dates all the way back to May 1998 against Osmar Luiz Teixeira, a fight in which Silva retired in the first of six rounds. The second and last time the Brazilian was seen donning the boxing gloves was against Julio Cesar de Jesus in August 2005, where Silva picked up a 2nd round knockout win.
Now, returning to the sport after sixteen long years, Silva is up against one of the greatest boxers of this generation, former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, his first fight since parting ways with the UFC back in November last year.
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Despite being the underdog against Chavez Jr, Anderson Silva wants to “enjoy the moment” this Saturday
The Silva vs Chavez Jr fight, titled “Tribute To The Kings” is scheduled on 19th June at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara, Mexico, which will also mark the latter’s return to the ring after seven months since defeating Jeyson Minda in November.
Squaring off against Chavez Jr is an opportunity of a lifetime for Silva, but as per ‘The Spider’s words, its more of a respect towards his opponent’s father and one of the greatest boxers of all time, Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.
“It’s an amazing sport, boxing is a traditional sport,” Silva said while making an appearance on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com, “I’m lucky I have this opportunity to fight in boxing against an amazing name and be on the same card as Julio Cesar Chavez and fight his son. I’m so happy.”
Keep #Fighting 🔥
June 19 👉🏼 Watch the PPV #TTTK https://t.co/Xtni5s3OEk19 de junho 👉🏼 Assinta no PPV https://t.co/zdFioBI4yc pic.twitter.com/7Lpp4zPV9P
— Anderson Silva (@SpiderAnderson) June 11, 2021
Both of Silva’s previous boxing fights had taken place in his home country, and during his decorated career inside the Octagon, he was revered for his striking. Despite being the betting underdog against Chavez Jr, Silva is banking on his experience in the sport.
“I have been training in boxing for many, many years. In Brazil, I fought professionally, of course, not at the same level,” the 46-year-old went on, “I just try to enjoy the moment and do my best and pass a good message to every single person that watches me.”
Who do you think has the upper hand between Anderson Silva and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on Saturday? Let us know in the comments below.