ANDERSON SILVA has been granted a professional boxing licence in Arizona ahead of his proposed fight with Jake Paul.
The pair are in talks for a boxing match slated for October 29 in the American state.
And Silva has moved one step closer to confirming the fight after being permitted a boxing licence in Arizona.
A commissioner said: “Congratulations, Mr. Silva. We’re looking forward to what’s to come.”
Silva, 48, said: “I’m training hard every day. I’m keeping my mind busy and healthy. I’m so excited.”
Paul, 25, who was was due to return on August 6 until suffering two fight cancellations, revealed his next fight will be announced on Tuesday.
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Silva was released by the UFC in 2020 following five losses in six bouts, three of which were on the spin.
But he has made a successful transition to boxing, having already had a 1-1 record in the ring.
Silva beat former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, 36, in June 2021 then knocked out ex-UFC champ Tito Ortiz, 47, in September.
He will become Paul’s first opponent with a recognised boxing record.
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The American was twice set to fight Tommy Fury, 23, until the Brit pulled out after suffering an injured rib and then over US visa issues.
Hasim Rahman Jr, 31, had signed to replace Fury but a weight disagreement with Paul saw their bout cancelled.
Paul last fought in December, knocking out Fury’s substitute Tyron Woodley, 40, who he had already beat on points four months earlier.
That added to KOs over online rival “AnEsonGib”, ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, 38, and retired UFC welterweight Ben Askren, 38.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
