Jake Paul returns to the ring this weekend for the first time since he demolished former NBA star, Nate Robinson. However, this time the YouTube sensation will have to take on someone with a considerable amount more fighting pedigree in Ben Askren, who makes his own come-back to the big stage after a long hiatus, with the once Bellator MMA and ONE Championship welterweight titleholder having been retired from the fight-game since 2019. Frankie Rudland reports.
After months of trash-talking, online exchanges, and even weigh-in bust-ups the pair will finally settle their differences in the ring on Saturday, with an 8-round bout at cruiserweight scheduled at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
While this might not be one for boxing purists, this fight certainly has a sizeable amount of intrigue surrounding it. Paul remains undefeated as a professional boxer, producing two comfortable stoppages in his previous fights with AnEsonGib and of course Nate Robinson. However, with the 24-year-old so far untested, and it remains to be seen whether he can produce such a dominant display against someone with a strong background in combat sports.
Despite this, Askren has never been a significant striker, with wrestling his route into MMA. At 36-years-old, and off the back of two devastating defeats to Jorge Masvidal and Demian Maia in his last two fights, it remains difficult to establish whether the battle-hardened Askren has much of an edge going into the fight.
Aside from the main event, the pick of the undercard sees another fighter make their transition to boxing, with ex-UFC heavyweight Frank Mir taking on Steve Cunningham. And if the fighting doesn’t take your fancy, there will also be performances from Justin Bieber and Snoop Dogg on the night.
Paul vs Askren: When and how can I watch?
The fight will take place on Saturday the 17th of April, however, if you’re watching in England then I’m afraid you’re going to have to stay up into the early hours for this one, with the main event expected at around 4am. Thankfully, you’ll have a full undercard to digest, with the rest of the action kicking-off at midnight UK time.
Social media site Triller will be streaming the event in the USA, with the pay-per-view coming in at $49.99. If you’re in the UK, then FITE TV will be showing it from 2 am, and it will cost £17.
The Full Card
- Jake Paul v Ben Askren
- Regis Prograis v Ivan Redkach
- Lorenzo Simpson v Francisco Emanuel Torres
- Junior Younan v Jeyson Minda
- Quinton Randall v William Jackson
- Steve Cunningham v Frank Mir
- Joe Fournier v Reykon
