Kalyl Silva explains why he chose boxing over MMA, what it's like competing as Anderson Silva's son
LAS VEGAS – More than anything, Kalyl Silva is proud of his dad.
Son of a legendary former UFC middleweight champion, Silva recently inducted his father, Anderson Silva, into the promotion’s Hall of Fame. But the inspiration goes beyond a speech. Kalyl has modeled much of his professional pursuits after his father, though he ultimately chose boxing over MMA.
“Right now I’m 2-0 in professional boxing,” Kalyl told MMA Junkie and other reporters on the red carpet before his father’s induction ceremony. “I’m really, really, extremely focused on that. I have great coaches. I have great plans ahead. For now, it’s just boxing. I’m extremely focused on boxing. It’s a very endearing and hard sport. Also, I’m dedicating 100 percent of my time toward that.”
“… I love boxing. My brother does boxing, as well, so I kind of grew up with him, watching him box, as well. I love the art. It’s amazing. I love the discipline of martial arts in general. I started with amateur kickboxing, but I went professional as a boxer.”
With his last name comes opportunity, but also an elevated level of interest. With hype, comes pressure and expectations. But Kalyl handles those unusual elements in stride.
“One hundred percent, the pressure is always there – the nervousness,” Kalyl said. “There’s a certain expectation of me, a certain performance expectation. There are many, many expectations. But I feel like people will talk regardless, whether it be good things or whether it be bad things. Whatever it is, I just like to focus on me. I’m focused on what I have to do and what makes me happy.”
Kalyl, 24, faces the lights and cameras with a comfortable smile and thoughtful answers. While he pulls from his father the way he carries himself and fights, Kalyl is still figuring out his own unique identity – and enjoying every second of it.
“I feel like I use my jab a lot,” Silva laughed. “I’m still figuring out my style a little bit. It’s only my second fight. I feel like I’m still developing as a fighter. I don’t think I could tell you right now a specific boxer (I resemble). … I try to emulate Roy Jones, but it’s a tough name, you know? Exactly, exactly. I’m still developing as a fighter and I’m looking forward to the journey. It’s been a fun ride.”