Home

Boxing

Anderson Silva on His Transition to Boxing: ‘I’ve Prepared For War’

Published 06/17/2021, 11:33 PM EDT

Follow Us

via Imago

After a long, storied career with the UFC, Anderson Silva is preparing for his third professional boxing fight. The mixed martial artist isn’t signed to any major promotion as he enters the squared circle to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr (52-5-1). Hence, the stakes couldn’t be higher for “The Spider” who would want to make a name for himself in a comparatively unfamiliar sport for him.

In conversation with Bleacher Report, Silva detailed his transition from being a Muay Thai specialist in MMA to boxing.

via Getty

“[Training for a boxing match] is completely different [than preparing for an MMA fight]. You don’t train jiu-jitsu, you don’t train wrestling, you don’t train Muay Thai, it’s only boxing,” Silva said. He then added that training and learning, even at 46, made him feel blessed. “I’m happy because every single day I’m surprised because I learned something new. I feel lucky to have this opportunity.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Silva’s striking prowess is undoubtedly one of his best assets. In his UFC run, Silva’s speed, timing, and accuracy were a spectacle not to be missed at any cost. He was a fighter who could be looking somewhere else and landing a clean punch on his opponent with no trigger movement.

WATCH THIS STORY: Best moments from Tyson Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 press conference

Silva expanded on his mental state before the bout set for June 19.“When you go inside the ring, everything changes, but I’ve prepared for war. I’ve prepared my mind and my coach has prepared me for good boxing. I’m going to do my best. I trained to win,” he said.

Will Anderson Silva’s love for fighting translate in the boxing ring?

Going 1-7 in his last 8 fights with the UFC, it’s obvious that the 46-year-old ‘Spider,’ is past his fighting prime. Yet the love for the sport continues to compel him to compete again professionally.

In the interview, he said, “Fighting is my life. I love fighting. I love challenging myself—I like to learn—and this is a good challenge for me. Everything’s new. I’m very lucky. I try to enjoy the whole moment. I come to the gym, and I try to absorb the whole energy I have with my trainers, my coach.”

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest Boxing stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Opting to test the waters of pro boxing, it comes as a surprise that Silva would jump straight into the deep end. Julio Chávez Jr. is a former WBC middleweight champion and has contested for light heavyweight titles as well. Boxing all his life under the patronage of his father, the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, JC. Jr is well renowned for his knockout ability.

‘I Know He’s a Legend’ – Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Shares His Views of Anderson Silva

This may have been the challenge Silva wanted after years in the octagon and almost 15 years on since his last boxing bout. Given the fact that he is a lifelong combat star, ‘Spider’ rocking the 12-ounce gloves again would be a sight to see.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 

Do you think Silva pulls off an upset against Chavez Jr? Let us know.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Akshit Pushkarna

94Articles

One take at a time

Akshit Pushkarna, who has a Post Graduate Degree in Journalism from Xavier's Institute of Communication, is an MMA writer for EssentiallySports. Before his current role, Akshit worked on the Urban Development beat at the Urban Update magazine. However, combat sports always called out to Akshit, who pursued both boxing and wrestling at a regional level before shifting his focus to MMA journalism.
Show More>