Anderson Silva Addresses ‘Disrespectful YouTubers,’ Relationship with Roy Jones Jr.

Considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, Anderson Silva has decided to test himself in boxing for the first time since 2005.

After announcing his departure from the UFC last year,  “The Spider” will face former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on  June 19 in a soccer stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico. The “Tribute to the Kings” card will feature Julio’s father, the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez, in the main event against an as yet to be announced opponent.

In a video interview with AgFight’s Carlos Antunes, the former middleweight champion discussed his upcoming bout as well as what he perceives to be a lack of respect from “YouTubers.”

“I´m really happy to be able to test my skills in another area. It´s such an amazing experience, but I'm totally aware that my opponent has done this since his childhood,” Silva said. “I cannot be arrogant enough to believe that I’ll have a highlight [victory] like those disrespectful Youtubers out there.

“Of course I´m training a lot to win, but I’m aware that I'm entering a new sport. Millions of fighters came before me and dedicated their lives to conquer their space. Any fighter who came from MMA, like myself, or some Youtuber, who never trained anything, must respect the history and tradition of the boxing world.”

Silva also admitted the possibility of making his dream fight against boxing idol Roy Jones Jr. doesn’t seem likely to happen anymore.

“Our fight might never happen, but we developed a nice relationship,” Silva said. “Lately we exchanged some messages and Roy wished me luck and told me to call him if I need help in my camp.”

“The Spider” concluded the interview with some advice for Chris Weidman, who suffered a gruesome leg break at UFC 261 that was reminiscent of the injury Silva suffered in a title bout against “The All-American” in December 2013.

“To tell you the truth I don’t watch MMA fights anymore, but my sons do,” he said. “When Weidman broke his leg, they immediately sent me the video and I was shocked. A ‘movie’ passed through my mind recalling the drama I went through after the same accident.

“All I can advise Weidman is to stay close to his family members because next weeks will be really rough. But Chris has a champion's mind and I'm sure he will return stronger. I just wish the best to him.”