Predictions:Paul KO Silva | Bell TKO Hall | Santiago UD Nieves | Sylve KO Rodriguez
Love or hate Jake Paul, if this matchup is a test, Jake Paul is the instructor. Youtube star and UFC slayer Jake “The Problem Child” Paul returns to the squared circle this Saturday. Paul will take on UFC Hall of Fame and longest reigning Champion Anderson “The Spider” Silva, in a highly anticipated 185lb contest. Paul boasts a 5-0 record with 4KO, and has violently KO’d every opponent that he has faced thus far. His most recent KO’s include UFC Veteran and Bellator Champion Ben Askren, and former UFC champion Tyron Woodley.
Silva boasts 2 KO wins in his boxing career that began in 1998 at 165 pounds, a debut in which he was TKO’d in the first round. Silva’s 2 KO victories in the squared circle come against former UFC Champion Tito Ortiz who he finished in round 1, and a Brazilian named Julio he KO’d in round 2. Julio retired from boxing at 0-1.
The fight that make fans think Silva is the answer to Paul, his razor thin decision victory over
former “World Champion” Julio Ceaser Chavez Jr. I use the quotes because the former World
Champion Chavez had fought the majority of his prime at weights under 150 pounds (32 fights). 5 of Chavez's 6 losses come at weights over 160 pounds, and his only 2 KO losses are at weights over 165 pounds, Silva did not hurt him in their bout at 175 pounds.
Paul will be Silva’s toughest test by far in the boxing ring, as he is much younger, stronger and
hungrier than any of the boxers Silva has faced. Silva will be subject to an overhand right that
he caught quite often, especially toward the end of his career in the Octagon. The Spider’s
strengths come with his deceptive attack that requires his legs, boxing forces him to be one
dimensional, which we will find to be a huge problem in Saturday’s matchup as a near 2 to 1
underdog.
The PPV card also consists of UFC veteran Uriah Hall, taking on former NFL running back Leveon Bell. This fight appears to be a set up for Paul’s next fight. Hall, who KO’d Silva in the Octagon back on Halloween in 2020, will have his hands full against the Ohio native Bell, whom has already been in twitter beefs with Paul in the past. The contest will be both Bell and Hall’s Professional boxing debut.
Cleveland Bantamweight Antonio Nieves 20-3,11KO) , will take on Mexican prospect Alexandro Santiago (26-3, 13KO) in a 10 round Bantamweight showdown, in what looks to be the Fight of the Night. Nieves is coming off a dominant victory over previously unbeaten Judy Flores, while Santiago has won 11 of his last 12. The 4th fight of the PPV card includes highly touted Paul signee, lightweight Ashton Sylve (7-0, 7KO). Sylve will be taking on Braulio Rodriguez (20-4, 17KO). This will be Sylve’s second consecutive 8 round contest in just 8 fights. His last 3 opponents have a combined 53 wins.