BEN ASKREN says Jake Paul's skills in boxing were underestimated by the whole combat sports world.
Since his pro debut against AnEsonGib, a fellow YouTuber and boxer, the YouTuber has become a huge star in the sport.
Ben Askren and Jake Paul fought in a boxing match
in the first round.
Paul then brutally defeated Tyron Woodley (former UFC welterweight champion) and Askren. The former champ admits that Paul is far more talented than most people think.
During an appearance on The MMA Hour he stated: "Obviously Jake is probably a bit better than we anticipated.
"So we'll see if he can go any further. He's at most a decent boxer.
"That's the worst part, I had to do all the work, I didn’t realize how great he was. I was like, f**k, I'll go to fight this dude.
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"I feel kind of indifferent about Jake Paul. It's almost like I don’t care what you do.
"I didn’t know you before that. Whatever, we were antagonising one another, whatever, I’m out. However, other people dislike his guts."
Askren, a former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion, is often reminded that he was part of Disney's iconic highlight reel.
He said, "So, they hold me against me that he beat me - it's like, listen, I didn’t know how great he was.
Get a PS10 Bonus with 100s of Games to Play and No Deposit Required"Yeah, I wish that I would have freaking won. It would have been incredible. He's actually kinda good. It's a pain."
Paul, 25, has not been in the ring since his viralKO of Woodley in December. He is currently wearing his promoter's cap ahead of Amanda Serrano and Katie Taylor's titanic clash next month.
The Problem Child seems to be eyeing a September return, saying that "There are a lot of things going on in my life."
"I will be doing these press conferences in the next two weeks to promote Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano. I am also very busy with my venture capital fund on the business side.
"So, I haven’t even been back to the gym or trained at all.
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"I would suggest August-September, but I need to talk with my coaches. Perhaps later. It's something I'm working on.
"Obviously, if the stars align or I have a change in heart, then things could move around. But right now, I don't feel motivated to go back to another training camp.
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