Jake says he has nothing but respect for his opponent
Jake Paul beat UFC legend Anderson Silva on points to remain undefeated in his six-fight boxing career.
American YouTube star-turned-boxer Paul, 25, knocked down the 47-year-old Brazilian in the last of the eight rounds.
The judges scored the fight – watched by 14,000 fans at the Desert Diamond Arena in Phoenix, Arizona – 77-74, 78-73 and 78-73 to Paul.
Thank you Anderson. Obrigado.
It was an honor. pic.twitter.com/tbqe83xO9c
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) October 30, 2022
“Man, it’s a surreal moment but hard work pays off,” Paul said.
“I want to say thank you to Anderson – he inspired me to be great. Without him, we wouldn’t have a fight this year.
“I have nothing but respect for him. I started boxing two and a half years ago and I’ve just beaten one of the best strikers ever.”
Silva is regarded as one of the greatest mixer martial artists of all time. He was UFC middleweight champion from 2006 to 2013 and his record of 16 consecutive victories still stands.
Paul, 25, was looking for his sixth professional win against 47-year-old UFC icon Silva having previously beaten fellow content creator AnEsonGib, NBA star Nate Robinson and former MMA champions Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren.
Since parting ways with the UFC two years ago after his legendary run in the promotion, Silva had won fights against former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and fellow MMA veteran Tito Ortiz. And it was he received the biggest cheer from the Phoenix crowd as the rivals made their way to the ring.
On the undercard, 18-year-old prospect Ashton Sylve – the first fighter to be signed by Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions – remained unbeaten by knocking out Braulio Rodriguez in just 60 seconds.
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