Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva on Oct. 29

Jake Paul vs Anderson Silva on Oct. 29, It's Official

(Photo by Esther Lin/Showtime)

By Lauren Rodriguez

HOLLYWOOD, Ca.- The sun was blazing hot Monday morning as media and fans gathered to see YouTube’s biggest influencer turned boxer, Jake Paul (5-0, 4 KO’s) and UFC champion Anderson “Spyder” Silva (3-1, 2 KO). The friendly face-off took place on Sunset Boulevard at Neue House, a “private work and social space.”

In true YouTube vlogger fashion, the conference commenced with a short informative PowerPoint meets video. In the comedic film, Jake Paul breaks down the need-to-know information regarding his boxing career. After debriefing the audience on screen, Paul breezed onto stage in an all-white ensemble layered with diamond chains while Silva chose a moderate direction, a plain baby pink t-shirt without the shimmer.

In one of the most wholesome and respectful face offs in boxing, social media sensation Paul kept his trash talking to a minimum, at least the words directed toward or about famed fighter Silva.

It was only a month ago that the internet sensation's Madison Square Garden headliner against Hasim Rahman Jr. (12-1, KO’s) was canceled when Rahman failed to make weight. The entire event dissolved and Paul sought the opponent many doubted would ever take place.

Now Paul “The Problem Child” (5-0) meets “Spyder: Silva (3-1) in a boxing contest at the Gila River Arena in Phoenix on Oct. 29. Showtime pay-per-view will televise.

The entrepreneur has dug his way into one of the most physically difficult sports while center stage. It’s all been a surreal moment for Paul who noted that it was only a decade ago that he and his brother Logan stood alongside his current opponent to take a photo.

“I was sitting on the couch watching this guy as a kid and now we're here,” stated Paul.

Although Anderson Silva only has a professional boxing record of (3-1, 1 KO), the former UFC champion is a known formidable force in mixed martial arts, boasting a stat of (34-11, 22 KO). He also defeated former boxing world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. by decision.

Almost exactly a year ago, the 47-year-old fighter faced and won against fellow MMA legend Tito Ortiz, by knockout in the first round. The 22 years age difference between Silva and his current opponent, Paul, is immense but not enough to derail the veteran warrior.

“I love combat sports. I have 5 kids, I love challenges… I challenge my entire life.”

Paul berated his former and potential opponents while complementing Silva's positive attitude. “If he was a dickhead I'd have to beat his ass. I'm still going to knock him out, respectfully,” said Paul.

Silva shared the same sentiment as Paul, further enforcing the social media mogul's statement that Silva is the “Nicest guy ever.” The Brazilian warrior remained optimistic, only noting his love and dedication for combat sports.

“Every single day I try to enjoy my life. I try to do my best because I love my job.”

Paul’s enthusiasm and commitment for the sport shows as does his consistency in seeking new challenges and facing those many said he wouldn’t.

The multi-talented fighter joked about his plans if he loses, stating,

“If you beat me, I’ll get a spider tattoo.”

Silva winced at the idea exclaiming his hatred for tattoos.

“I know you're a fan, you don’t have to get a tattoo. I am your fan too, but I hate tattoos.”

The projected winner by viewers has wavered as many can’t decide if they believe the boxing novice is cut out to win against the highly esteemed Silva. Paul has remained an underdog due to his internet antics.

Despite age, Silva holds an advantage because Paul has never fought a southpaw.

Paul counters that “the good thing is he [Silva] doesn’t have any footage of me fighting a southpaw.”

Paul called out other MMA fighters, including previously sought-after opponent, Nate Diaz.

Diaz recently defeated Tony Ferguson on UFC 279 by guillotine choke on Sept. 10, in Las Vegas. Based on Paul’s dislike of UFC honcho Dana White many expect Diaz to be the next target after Paul gets through his toughest battle yet.

“I do in the back of my head want that fight and I think the fans want that fight,”

said Paul.

But first, its’ Silva versus Paul on October 29th, at the Gila River Arena just outside of Phoenix, Arizona in Glendale. Presale tickets for the event have been released on Ticketmaster.com.