While it looks as if Anderson Silva won't be able to box Roy Jones Jr. anytime soon, the UFC middleweight champion remains optimistic.

"I'm still confident this fight will happen," Silva told Sherdog.com. "This can be this year or in 2009. I respect Dana White, the UFC owners and their point of view, but my vision is that I want this boxing match."

A bout between Silva and Jones Jr. has sparked interest among mixed martial arts and boxing fans. Jones Jr. told Sherdog.com on Wednesday that despite being willing to accept Silva's challenge, the bout was nixed by the UFC.

"I have a contract with UFC; I respect them, I respect Dana White and I don't have anything to complain about the promotion -- they always treated me nicely," said Silva, who turns 33 Monday. "But this is my huge personal wish, a pro boxing fight against Roy Jones, who I consider the top boxer. I'm his fan as well. I'd like this fight to happen and I'll do everything possible to make it happen. Roy Jones stated his will to fight as well. He has an exceptional character, and we want this fight. This would be good for both sports -- MMA and boxing. This would be historical! This has to happen! I can't believe that the people responsible to make it happen don't see that. They can't let the fans be without this match, which can mark the story of the fight sport."

Boxing one of combat sport's biggest names isn't the only thing on which Silva has set his sights. Currently, he is attempting to establish residency in the United States.

"We're working on that," said Silva, who remains unsure where he'll settle. "This is not easy, but it's my wish. I'm trying to live with my family in the U.S. I don't have many details now. Soon I'll let you know."