Anderson Silva has clarified that he ‘misspoke’ in an interview during which he stated he was ‘knocked out two times’ in coaching for weekend’s boxing match with Jake Paul.
Former UFC champion Silva, 47, is because of battle YouTuber-turned-boxer Paul, 25, in Arizona on Saturday (29 October), and the Brazilian informed MMA Weekly final month that he had been ‘knocked out two times’ in coaching.
But on Wednesday (27 October), Silva launched a press release, saying: “After seeing the reports and concern for me, I’d like to clarify two important things.
“One, I was NEVER knocked out in sparring. I misspoke in that interview as I sometimes do when interviewing in English and exaggerated the normal back-and-forth action that occurs in sparring.
“Second, this sparring session I referenced was in early September. The interview with MMA Weekly was done on Sept. 13 and, for some reason, just released this week. So, it wasn’t recent.”
Before Silva launched his assertion, Paul’s fellow YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI tweeted: “Anderson Silva has said that he’s been knocked out twice before his fight against Jake Paul…Think we know how this is gonna go…”
Silva replied to the Briton: “Young man please don’t try and spread rumors that were simply bad English. You and Jake are such an inspiration to the youth. Build together. Don’t burn.”
KSI then stated: “I have no respect for Jake. He is no inspiration. Only thing he wants to build, is himself. He’s destroyed more bridges than a tsunami. Either way, my bad. Good luck in your fight.”
Sillva is taken into account by many to be the best UFC fighter of all time, his seven-year middleweight title reign representing an unbroken file within the combined martial arts promotion. The corresponding 16-fight win streak can also be an unbeaten file within the UFC.
While the Brazilian is 3-1 as knowledgeable boxer and holds a factors win over former world boxing champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, Paul is 5-0 and has knocked out every man he has fought – together with ex-UFC title holder Tyron Woodley.
Source: www.impartial.co.uk