Home/Boxing

via Imago

via Imago

Ex-MMA star Ben Askren revealed his reason to lose against Jake Paul. In Askren’s book, ‘Funky: My Defiant Path Through The Wild World of Combat Sports’, he talked openly about his career. The American MMA legend also mentioned the controversial defeat that he faced. Although Askren has not faced any significant amount of defeat in his career, this specific defeat had him worried. The ex-fighter talked about why was Jake Paul able to defeat him. Just like the audience, the fighter himself was shocked by this defeat. On one side, there was a Welterweight beast, while on the other, a celebrity boxer.

The infamous lost fight was condemned by the fighter himself. Jake Paul picks his opponents carefully. According to his opponents, everybody says one thing or the other about their condition, including Askren. The ex-Welterweight champion felt like his fans, and the world deserved an explanation. Although he did not under-appreciate Paul’s fighting skills, he still gave a satisfying explanation for the defeat.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

This is what Ben Askren had to say about the defeat

Probably haunted by the ghost of this defeat, the fighter spent some time reevaluating his fight. Upon thinking again and again, he finally found the answer. As mentioned by Askren, he was not in perfect health condition either. “The unfortunate reality of the situation is Jake Paul was a much better boxer than I anticipated. I was coming off the hip surgery, I was so far, and I was getting back into shape,” added Askren. According to him, apart from his health issues, Paul is indeed a good fighter!

Read More:- “Even a Retired GSP Wanted to Fight Him”: Fans Back Ben Askren as He Opens Up on “Totally” Messing Jorge Masvidal Fight

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Paul has been told previously how he is a good fighter by UFC commentator Joe Rogan as well. Although some disagree, Askren’s first-hand experience tells us otherwise. The 38-year-old retired fighter also wrote in his book, “boxing was never my forte”.

Was Ben Askren’s defeat justified?

The ex-UFC fighter accepted his mistake while saying, “Boxing was never my forte. I was hoping he sucked. I thought he’d hit me. It wouldn’t hurt. He’d gas out, and I’d beat him up. I gambled wrong on that one.” Considering all the points, Askren’s health, Paul’s good grip on boxing, and the 38-year-old man’s overconfidence, the fight seemed like a fair defeat.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story:- Everything to know about Royce Gracie

Jake Paul won the fight fair and square. Even though reestablishing the defeat did not change the results, the explanation given by Askren really comforted his fans.