Is Kimbo Slice's MMA Career Over?

In November 2007, Gary Shaw, then the president of EliteXC's live events division, said that he believed Kimbo Slice could become the first man to hold a major heavyweight boxing and MMA title simultaneously.

Slice, last seen losing to Seth Petruzelli in 14 seconds in the final EliteXC show last October, is reportedly set to make his boxing debut later this summer, however, don't expect him to be chasing an MMA strap any time soon.

Two days after telling the Miami Herald that a boxing career is in Slice's future, Shaw told FanHouse on Thursday that the former street-fighting star is no longer contractually tied to Strikeforce, the San Jose-based organization who purchased Slice's contract, along with 41 other EliteXC fighter contracts, earlier this year.

"[I'm] not sure exactly if or when Kimbo will start a boxing career," Shaw said via e-mail. "However he is not tied to Strikeforce."

When asked if we had seen Slice fight in his last MMA contest, Shaw responded:

"Could not answer that, as I have not sat down and talked at length with [Strikeforce] regarding the future plans, although I believe Kimbo would listen to all offers, as he should."

When contacted for comment, Strikeforce would not confirm nor deny Shaw's claim that Slice is free from his contract with the organization.

In March, Slice told the Nassau Guardian that he is eager to pursue a boxing career:

"Boxing is really my first desire. I have a lot of love for it and believe I can do pretty well. MMA is somewhat of a project for me. Boxing is one dimensional while there are a lot of dimensions in MMA. I don't think it would be a hard transition from MMA to stand-up boxing because of my fighting style."

If you ask me, Slice's best bet would be to pursue a K-1 kickboxing career. His boxing skills are simply not on par with the top boxers in the game, and neither are his ground skills with the top MMA heavyweights. It's no secret that kickboxers aren't as technically sound when it comes to the boxing aspect of their sport. That's why a K-1 career, where only punches and kicks are allowed, would seem to give him his best chance at success in the ring.

Of course, one could argue that the best fit for Slice, born Kevin Ferguson, is simply where the most money lies. And while he seems to be keeping his fighting options open, I wouldn't be surprised if we never see him compete in an MMA match again.