It seems the YouTube boxing circus is coming to town yet again. The infamous YouTuber and baby brother to Logan Paul, Jake Paul, has his next boxing bout set. The only difference with his newest combative venture is that he will be facing off against a real professional fighter. Compared to the other cast of characters he has fought against, this will be his greatest challenge yet.
Bizarre boxing: Making the Jake Paul-Ben Askren fight
There weren’t many fighters who Paul did not call out, often making waves just making ridiculous callouts to established mixed-martial artists around the world, he even originally called out former two-time UFC champion Conor McGregor along with his lesser-awarded compadre Dillon Danis, which only resulted in nothing more than a few internet meme antics. But now, one MMA fighter has answered the call.
Ben Askren: Professional MMA fighter, and soon to be first-time Professional Boxer
UFC fighter Ben ‘Funky’ Askren is the lucky challenger, though Funky is still under contract with the UFC, he reportedly received permission to face off against the internet troll. Askren’s most recognized fight in the UFC was his fight against Jorge Masvidal at UFC 239. The match resulted in the fasted knockout in UFC history via an epic flying knee by Masvidal, which seemingly sent Askren to outer space. Will this fight against the YouTuber be Askren’s chance for redemption from the many fight fan memers of the world?
The 36-year old Funky knows how to box, but his bread and butter is wrestling. Some of his career accolades include being a former two-time NCAA wrestling champion, competing in the 2008 Olympic games, and formerly holding the Bellator and One Championship welterweight champion titles before heading to the UFC.
On the other hand, Paul most recently defeated former NBA player Nate Robinson via a second-round knockout in November. He competed in the co-main event to Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr.’s explosive return. According to ESPN, the Paul and Askren fight will take place April 17 and shall be contested with 10-ounce gloves in a 20-by-20 ring. No other details have been divulged yet at this time.
The Prediction
If I had to make any predictions for this fight freakshow, it would be that Askren wins and that the fight won’t go the distance. At the end of the day, we are talking about a former world champion versus the kid-brother of a successful YouTuber.
It should also be mentioned that Logan Paul, Jake’s older brother, is set to face-off against none other than undefeated boxing-legend Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather in his own YouTuber versus pro-fighter odyssey. The Mayweather, Paul match is set to take on February 20, but silence from the promoters has allowed multiple rumors to swell, detailing how this wild fight may have to be rescheduled.
The Paul Bros’ Boxing legacy
Regardless of what happens in the future, I think it is safe to say that as long as the Paul bros face pros inside the ring, there’s no chance they get the win. Perhaps they should stay in their internet lane and continue to draft fellow YouTube celebs or famed former athletes to help puff up their boxing resumes before they eventually fight each other. Let’s be honest, that’s the biggest fight they can make. A blood feud, bloodsport, big bro vs. lil’ bro; sign me up.