Tag Archives: ben askren

Jake Paul Feels Differently Now About Jake Paul: “He’s Earned My Respect”

Posted on 09/04/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Ben Askren laid back into his chair, folded his hands, and turned on his television. The former Mixed Martial Arts star was eager to see how the matchup would unfold between his good friend and former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley and former opponent, social media star turned professional boxer, Jake Paul.

As the two exchanged fists for eight rounds on August 29th in Cleveland Ohio, Askren revealed how he scored it. While he believes his judgment was fair, he acknowledges that Woodley may have gotten preferential treatment due to their friendship.

“I might be biased but I had it 5-3,” said Paul during a self-recorded video. “He was more aggressive, he was stalking and he was landing more effective punches. Jake definitely out volumed him but I did not think the volume was all that effective.”

Although Askren believes Woodley should have been given the victory, it was Paul who stretched his professional boxing record to 4-0 on the night. As Askren watched closely, his entire thought process surrounding Paul began to change.

Just four months prior, both Paul and Askren met in the ring in Askren’s boxing debut. While technically, Paul had more experience, having knocked social media star Ali Eson Gib and former NBA player Nate Robinson, Askren believed that the years he spent in the cage would offset the head start Paul had in the sport of boxing.

Ultimately though, Askren was wrong. Like Paul’s previous two opponents, the social media star bounced Askren’s head off the canvas in the first round before picking up the knockout victory. Still, even with the end result, Paul did nothing to earn the respect of Askren.

“I wanted to knock Jake Paul’s head off but it didn’t happen. I knew I wasn’t very good at boxing, I told all of you that I’m not a very good boxer but I just think I’m better than he is. When he got a knockout on me, I was like whatever, he didn’t earn my respect.”

Picking up a victory against Woodley, however, has changed Askren’s mind. It’s one thing to pocket a win against a fighter who readily admits that boxing isn’t something he excels in, it’s something else entirely when Paul is able to grind out a close victory against someone with the credentials of Woodley, albeit in an entirely different sport.

“I have a lot of respect for Tyron’s striking ability and I think Tyron won the fight but either way, it was a really highly competitive bout. I think it’s pretty evident, and the only way you’re not going to think this is if you really hate the guy, but it’s pretty evident to me that he’s worked pretty hard at this and he’s pretty tough. He took some pretty big shots from Tyron and kept fighting. He’s earned my respect for sure.”

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Jake Paul Annihilates Ben Askren In The First Round

Posted on 04/18/2021

By: Hans Themistode

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – APRIL 17: Jake Paul celebrates after defeating Ben Askren in their cruiserweight bout during Triller Fight Club at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on April 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images for Triller)

Jake Paul talked and talked and talked some more. In turn, everyone grew more and more disgusted with his continued foray into the boxing world.

After his most recent victory, however, it appears as though Jake Paul is here to say.

Former MMA star Ben Askren became Paul’s latest victim in the ring. Unlike Paul’s previous two opponents in former NBA player Nate Robinson and social media star Ali Eson Gib, Askren was viewed as a legitimate fighter due to his background in mixed martial arts and the world titles he once held in both ONE Championship and Bellator. However, its become clear that it will take someone with a lot more skill in the boxing ring to take him down.

From the moment the opening bell rang, Paul wasted no time getting into the face of Askren as he pushed his man back with a strong jab. Askren, clearly out of his element, attempted to throw a combination of his own but appeared to be extremely uncoordinated while doing so.

After the pair clinched in the center of the ring, Paul stepped back and came right ahead with a right hand that immediately sent Askren to the deck. He stumbled as he got back to his feet. Still, he appeared to be fully aware of his surroundings. With that said, that wasn’t enough as the referee waved off their contest.

A dejected Askren scurried out of the ring as Paul jumped on the top rope and screamed at the top of his lungs as fireworks fired off in the background.

With the win firmly in his back pocket, Paul addressed everyone who continues to doubt him.

“I’m a real fucking fighter.”

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Ben Askren Unsure If He’ll Play By The Rules Against Jake Paul: “Maybe I’ll Throw An Elbow You Never Know”

Posted on 04/16/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Current social media star turn pro boxer, Jake Paul, wants to do everything in his power to dissuade his upcoming opponent from doing something illegal in their scheduled boxing event this upcoming weekend.

With Paul set to face the toughest test of his young pro career against former MMA star Ben Askren, Paul knows good and well that he doesn’t want to mix it up with Askren in anything other than strictly a boxing match. Paul, 24, has gone as far as to threaten Askren with serious financial penalties if the former Bellator world champion dives into his bag of MMA tricks.

“He will lose his purse if he does that,” said Paul during an interview with MMA Junkie when asked if he was concerned about Askren using some of his wrestling tactics. “If he does do something like that, his purse is eliminated in the bout agreement. If he wants to lose all the money for the fight, then sure, go ahead.”

With their showdown taking place in roughly 24 hours, Askren wanted to take a bit of time to address the seemingly mendacious statements made by his upcoming opponent.

“I fully intend to box on Saturday night,” said Askren during a recent virtual press conference. “But Jake Paul is telling lies when he says my purse will be deducted for me doing a nonboxing move. That’s just not true.”

Paul’s need to reinforce the rules of their showdown comes as no surprise. With Askren being a decorated wrestler over the span of roughly two decades as well as a world champion in mixed martial arts, Paul doesn’t want to take any chances on Saturday night.

Despite Askren holding the advance in terms of experience in the fighting world, he has won the vast majority of his contest via submission. As for his striking ability, it leaves much to be desired. Many, including the betting world, believe Paul holds the clear edge as long as things remain strictly a boxing match.

As previously mentioned by Askren, he fully intends on abiding by the rules, maybe.

Before pulling down the curtains on his virtual presser, Askren issued a warning of sorts, cautioning Paul of what could be coming tomorrow night.

“Maybe I’ll throw an elbow you never know.”

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Jake Paul On Ben Askren Contest: “This Is Boxing vs MMA And You’re Going To See The Difference, This Is The Fight Game”

Posted on 03/27/2021

By: Hans Themistode

Social media sensation Jake Paul continues to explore the boxing world. The 24-year-old is scheduled to take on former MMA star Ben Askren in a boxing match on the Triller platform on April 17th.

Despite spending being fairly new to the fight world, Paul walks into their contest as a heavy favorite. The underdog status of Askren primarily stems from his style of fighting more than anything else. Although Paul has only two professional fights under his belt, both of which came against non boxers, Askren is known for his world-class grappling ability.

His striking, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired.

As Paul continues his preparation for their showdown next month, he spent a bit of time watching tape on the former MMA star. Needless to say, he wasn’t impressed.

“This guy’s skills is that of a grandma,” said Paul during a recent socially distanced press conference. “He’s a good athlete they say but April 17th, he’s going to get exposed.”

For Paul, he continues to dabble into the world of fighting. Before he laced up the boxing gloves, however, Paul and his older brother Logan, were known for their flashy lifestyles and whacky YouTube videos. The pair have since parlayed that into boxing careers.

While Paul has no amateur or world-class experience, he’s dedicated his life over the past few years to the sport. Currently, he holds a 2-0 record, albeit his first win came against fellow social media star Ali Eson Gib and his second against former NBA player Nate Robinson.

Askren meanwhile, was once a decorated wrestler and a former champion at Bellator, one of the top mixed martial arts organizations in the world. Askren officially retired from competition in late 2019, citing a hip injury and subsequent surgery as the main culprit.

Still, that hasn’t stopped him from jumping at the chance to take on Paul.

Although he protrudes confidence each and every time he speaks, Paul believes Askren’s self belief will immediately be shattered the moment the opening bell rings. With Askren spending the majority of his career in an MMA cage and with Paul sharpening his tools in an actual ring over the past few years, the California native is firmly under the belief that the cream will ultimately rise to the top come fight night.

“This is boxing vs MMA and you’re going to see the difference. This is the fight game.”

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