By Norm Frauenheim
GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Arizona State Boxing & MMA Commission quickly cleared Anderson Silva to fight Jake Paul Thursday night, citing a review of recent medical tests and comments provided by Silva and his representatives.
It took the Commission less than 10 minutes to reach the decision at a meeting that was suddenly scheduled Wednesday amid questions about whether the 47-year-old Silva had been knocked out twice in training for a Showtime pay-per-view bout Saturday at Desert Diamond Arena.
“A fighter’s safety is always our priority,’’ Commission Chairman Scott Fletcher said. “But we peeled back the onion and determined that Anderson Silva is in shape and ready to fight.’’
Silva was granted an Arizona license in September. That’s when he reportedly was knocked out, according to quotes that appeared in MMA Weekly. However, Silva said in a statement Wednesday that he had been misunderstood.
Silva, a Brazilian whose first language is Portuguese, said he told the publication he had been knocked down, not out.
The Commission decided to schedule what it called a Special Meeting late Thursday after it was notified of the discrepancy this week before a public workout in front of Desert Diamond Arena Wednesday.
Commissioners Joe Pennington and Dr. Ara Feinstein both said they were initially concerned when they first learned about the discrepancy in quotes from Silva, a mixed-martial arts legend.
“I was extremely concerned,’’ Pennington said. ”But after reviewing all the medicals and other accounts, I’m confident he’s ready to fight.’’
Silva underwent an MRI this week, according to the Commission.
“The result was pristine,’’ said Fletcher, who watched and spoke to Silva at a news conference Thursday at Desert Diamond Arena before the Commission met.
MVP, Paul’s promotional company, and Showtime were confident that Silva would be cleared for the cruiserweight fight.
“Fighter safety is paramount to us as a network and hopefully to everybody who’s a principle in this sport,’’ Stephen Espinoza, president of Showtime Sports, said. “The commission has a job to do and we respect their responsibilities. We certainly didn’t begrudge them their request for additional information.
“They had heard some things in the interview, which gave them concerns. They asked for additional medical information and exams. Thankfully, those came out clean and everyone has concluded, both the medical experts and the commission, that it’s fine to move forward with the fight. So, we’re happy that the process worked in all senses.
“They had a concern, we addressed it, medical experts weighed in and the fight is on.’’
