Jake Paul will make his long awaited return to the boxing ring to take on UFC legend Anderson Silva.

The Problem Child was due to be facing Tommy Fury in August, but the plug was pulled on that contest and then a scheduled fight against Hasim Rahman Jr was also cancelled.

The Ohio man has not fought since he knocked out former UFC champion Tyron Woodley in December but he is now set to find himself back in the ring on October 29.

A serious test for Paul

Bouts against Fury and Rahman failed to materialise, but it could be that Paul has landed a tougher test than either of those fighters could offer.

Silva is widely considered as one of the greatest MMA stars of all time. The Spider is a former UFC middleweight champion and the Brazilian-born puncher holds the record for the longest title reign in UFC history at 2,457 days.

Silva called time on his UFC career in 2020, but the 47-year-old has since made a move into the boxing ring.

The Spider defeated former WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr on his boxing debut last year and Silva followed up that victory with a triumph over Tito Ortiz. Those victories have to be taken with a pinch of salt, but it certainly seems to be enough to suggest that Paul could be given a tough test.

Weight for age

Paul has managed a pair of wins over Woodley and victories against Ali Eson Gib, Nate Robinson and Ben Askren in his fledgling boxing career. The Problem Child has enjoyed substantial physical advantages in those bouts, but this contest has been set at 187lbs, which appears fair for both fighters.

What Paul has given up in physicality, he certainly gains in age. The Ohio man is 22 years younger than the Spider and that could have a considerable impact should this eight-round contest go deep.

Prediction

Up to this point Paul has carefully plotted his boxing career. As with his YouTube and social media efforts, the Problem Child has engineered maximum returns, with little risk inside the ring.

However, Silva is a serious fighter and he could stop Paul in his tracks. The 25-year-old does not have any huge size or weight advantages in this contest and he is not taking on a fighter with a wrestling background.

The Spider has looked a serious boxer in his limited forays so far, and while Paul will cash in on the popularity of the former UFC champion, he may not have as much success in the ring.

The Problem Child would benefit from this clash going the full eight rounds and if he can stay out of Silva’s way then he may well have a chance of winning this contest. However, the feeling is that the Spider will have enough strength and boxing ability to catch Paul and it could end in a victorious night for the UFC legend.