When YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul defeated UFC legend Anderson Silva by unanimous decision in October, many were quick to call the fight rigged.
En route to Paul’s win, he knocked down Silva in the eighth round of the bout, but there were plenty who thought it wasn’t legit.
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Jake Paul (L) poses with Anderson Silva of Brazil after their cruiserweight bout at Desert Diamond Arena on October 29, 2022, in Glendale, Arizona. Paul won via unanimous decision.
(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Boxing fanatics felt that Silva took a dive to help Paul and grow his already insane popularity, but Silva says he lost fair and square.
“The people don’t give credit to Jake,” Silva said to TMZ Sports. “Jake is a very young guy, he’s very determined and training hard every day.”
Silva – reminder, UFC fighter – said he wasn’t properly prepared for the boxing match.
Jake Paul and Anderson SIlva face off during a Jake Paul v. Anderson Silva press conference at NeueHouse Hollywood on September 12, 2022, in Hollywood, California.
(Harry How/Getty Images)
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“I didn’t have the strategy correct, and I lost the fight, and that’s amazing, because I continue to learn, continue to accept the new technique with my coach, and that’s great,” the 47-year-old said.
Silva also added words of encouragement to the Problem Child.
“Jake, continue to do your job, bro. You’re doing amazing. I love you!”
Silva added he’d be open to a rematch with Paul down the road, but Paul is now reportedly set on finally battling Tommy Fury.
Jake Paul, left, and Anderson Silva pose for photos during a news conference Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, in Los Angeles. The two are scheduled to fight at a catchweight of 187 pounds on Oct. 29 in Phoenix.
(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
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After two postponements, the two will face off on Feb. 25.
