Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. might’ve found a big-name opponent he can beat.
Chavez has agreed to face 45-year-old Mixed Martial Arts legend Anderson Silva in a boxing match on June 19, according to TMZ Sports. The pay-per-view event will take place at Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Chavez (52-5-1, 34 KOs) has been busy – he has fought four times in the past two years – but the 35-year-old arguably hasn’t had a meaningful victory since a decision over Brian Vera in their 2013 rematch.
He’s coming off a fourth-round knockout of Jeyson Minda on Nov. 27.
“I have rededicated myself to the sport that I love, and I will be ready to face anyone in the light heavyweight division starting with Silva,” Chavez said in a prepared statement. “I will be prepared to be victorious on June 19.”
Silva left UFC after he lost to Uriah Hall this past November. The Los Angeles-based Brazilian is 1-1 as a boxer, having had sanctioned fights in 1998 and 2005.
He also was known as an excellent striker in MMA competitions.
“When I look back at my journey, I see that nothing has been in vain,” Silva said, according to TMZ. “… “I am extremely happy for the opportunity to test my boxing skills with Julio César Chávez Jr.”
“I train continuously, always striving for resilience and to overcome obstacles. Fighting is my everlasting breath.”
Julio Cesar Chavez Sr. also will face Hector Camacho Jr. in an exhibition on the card.