In a recent article by Tim Smith of the NY Daily, Smith quotes Roy Jones Jr. on the subject of fighting UFC star, Anderson Silva. Silva had challenged Jones Jr. to a boxing match. Jones confirmed he made contact with Silva and his manager two weeks ago for a fight at 180-188 pounds. The fight is not happening anymore as Jones Jr. says UFC's President Dana White stepped in and stopped the fight.
Jones tells the NY Daily that he was told that the UFC President stepped in and stopped the match
because he didn't want to embarrass the UFC. The reason for embarrassment being if Jones Jr. were to KO Silva in the first round.
Quoted by Tim Smith, Jones Jr. stated: "I don't see how it could discredit the UFC. The guy has boxed before and he's a tall, slick, left handed fighter. That gives everybody problems. It would be a good fight. As fighters we're supposed to be trying to do things that amaze people and make history. This could have been something that people really wanted to see."
Jones Jr. added how he felt it was wrong what White was doing and dissed White for doing something that Boxing Promoters usually do. "I just think it's wrong not to allow him (Silva) to get the opportunity to live out his fantasy to be in the ring with one of his heroes. That's the kind of thing that boxing promoters usually do," said Jones Jr.
Jones Jr. praised Silva's courage, stating: "He's got a lot of heart and I have nothing but respect for him for wanting to take on the best in boxing."
