BEN ASKREN claimed Jake Paul thinks ‘too highly of his own skills’ and vowed to ‘beat up’ the YouTuber.
Askren, a former UFC welterweight who retired in 2019, will face the internet sensation on April 17 in the boxing ring.
Ben Askren will fight Jake Paul on April 17 Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Jake Paul has won his first two fights as a pro boxer Credit: AP:Associated Press
It will be Paul’s third professional bout, having already beaten social media rival ‘AnEsonGib’ and ex-NBA star Nate Robinson.
And, with the Askren not renowned for his striking skills in the cage, the vlogger has again been made favourite by pundits and fellow fighters.
But Askren, who lost just twice in his 22 MMA bouts, warns Paul, 24, won’t have it so easy now he comes face-to-face with an experienced fighter.
Asked if he was surprised by Paul being favoured by the masses, Askren told SunSport: “Nope, a lot of stupid people exist.
“I was literally only rocked one time in 21 fights and ten-plus years of training.”
Askren won titles in Bellator and ONE Championship before finally signing for the UFC in 2018.
He beat Robbie Lawler on his debut, but suffered a historic loss against Jorge Masvidal four months later.
Masvidal’s flying knee FIVE SECONDS into the fight made it the quickest win in UFC history.
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After Askren was beaten by Damian Maia in October 2019, he retired and underwent hip surgery.
The ex-USA wrestling champion insists he ‘feels great’ having gone under the knife in September and predicts a round seven KO against Paul.
Despite the millionaire video star’s lack of fighting experience, Askren admits it will not be his easiest night’s work.
But he does feel Paul is his least qualified challenger, who has has had his ego boosted with easy knockovers against ring novices.
Askren, 36, said: “I think that the lack of skill of his opponents has made him think a little too highly of his own skills.
“Seeing as I have had a few fights last under 90 seconds I don’t think it will be the easiest fight. I do think Jake is the least skilled.
“April 17 I am going to beat Jake up, what he decides to do after that is up to him.”
YouTuber Jake Paul after a sparring session Credit: Instagram / @brutalbostwick
Ben Askren retired from the UFC in 2019 Credit: AP:Associated Press
Askren is not the only one to questions Paul’s thin resume of inexperienced opponents, with fans calling for the American celebrity to face a real test.
Robinson, 36, was KO’d and became a meme after he was left out cold in round two last November.
Paul has promised the same viral treatment of Askren, but recognised he is faces a step up in competition.
After the fight announcement, he said: “The world complained because I knocked out a basketball player and not a real fighter.
“So now I’m giving the people what they want by taking on a ‘real fighter.’
“After Ben Askren is added to my knockout meme collection, what can anybody say?
“Thank you to Triller Fight Club for giving me the platform to once again put a man to sleep. April 17, it’s lights out for Askren.”
Jake Paul hits the pads in training for April 17 boxing return
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
