Former promoter says Kimbo belongs in boxing

If anyone knows how Kimbo Slice felt in that crucifix against Roy Nelson, it's Jared Shaw. Shaw has been underneath MMA's big belly getting smothered and punched in the head for the better part of a year since his promotion EliteXC went under in October of 2008. AOL Fanhouse's intrepid New York reporter Ariel Helwani tracked down "Skala" for a long interview. Shaw again spoke about the failings of EliteXC and then turned to Kimbo choosing "The Ultimate Fighter" over a career in boxing (8:48 mark):

"Kimbo's in the wrong sport. There's no doubt about that. Kimbo should be in boxing," said Shaw.

Shaw said Kimbo could be a big earning, world champ in boxing:

"The opportunity to be the world champion caliber athlete he could be would've came more in boxing. The money would've been there in the end in boxing. Really America is dying for a heavyweight."

Shaw seems to get borderline emotional anytime he speaks of UFC president Dana White during the interview. He can still recite many of White's rant against him (6:20 mark). He also says the UFC got "smart or lucky" for "dodging the bullet" that EliteXC presented as competition. Shaw also rails on MMA executives who are bringing in circus acts like Herschel Walker and Jose Canseco.

• TUF 10 Media Day: Kimbo has a special contract waiting if he wins
• Jared Shaw Googles Himself, Doesn’t Like What He Sees
• EliteXC: Kimbo Slice vs Seth Petruzelli
• Strikeforce says Kimbo can’t face a real MMA fighter right now
• Is Dana White a hypocrite for changing his tune on Kimbo Slice?