Tag: Ben Askren Jake Paul

Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren: 5 key questions (and answers) going into fight

Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren: 5 key questions (and answers) going into the fight.

FIVE QUESTIONS GOING INTO JAKE PAUL VS. BEN ASKREN

YouTube personality Jake Paul and retired mixed martial artist Ben Askren are scheduled to fight one another Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta via live stream or traditional pay-per-view. Here are five questions going into the event.
Jake Paul has had no amateur experience and two pro fights.  Ethan Miller / Getty Images

No. 1 Can Jake Paul box?

No. And that’s not a knock on him. He isn’t bad for someone with no amateur experience and two professional fights against a fellow YouTube personality and a retired basketball player who had never laced on gloves. He’s simply like anyone just starting out: He has rudimentary skills at best. Boxing technique is something learned over years, not weeks or even months. To be fair to him, he’s strong and athletic, which doesn’t hurt. And he seems to take his training seriously. He’s working hard to develop his skills and maintain optimal fitness, which is something not all real fighters do. He’s trying. That said, his proclamations that he knows what he’s doing in the ring are largely garbage. No one with his level of experience does.

No. 2 Can Ben Askren box?

Ben Askren isn’t a polished striker but has experience in combat sports. Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Not really. Askren is a former college and Olympic wrestler who became a mixed martial artist, ultimately winning multiple titles. However, Askren was never known as a striker, a fighter who relies on his boxing skills. He was better at grappling because of his wrestling background. That doesn’t mean he can’t box at all. He honed his striking throughout his decade-long MMA career, which gives him an edge over Paul. Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who worked with Askren for the fight on Saturday, was impressed with his conditioning, power and ability to finish off an opponent. Plus, Askren is a genuine fighter with experience engaging in battle under a spotlight. Paul’s previous two opponents weren’t.

***

JAKE PAUL VS. BEN ASKREN: To watch the fight, go here.

***

No. 3 Will Paul’s size advantage be a factor?

Paul is taller and will likely be heavier when they step into the ring.  Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Maybe. The fighters agreed to a 190-pound catch weight (with a two-pound allowance) instead of the standard cruiserweight limit of 200. The 6-foot-1 Paul weighed in at 191¾ and 189 pounds for his two pro fights, respectively. And Askren, 5-10, fought at 170 pounds before he retired as a mixed martial artist in 2019. Askren has said he expects to weigh between 180 and 185 for the fight, which means it’s possible that he’ll be outweighed by around 10 pounds. That isn’t a huge difference in the cruiserweight division but it could be significant. At the same time, Askren is strong and well-conditioned. That could compensate for any weight disparity.

No. 4 Is this type of fight good for boxing?

It’s difficult to determine when such fights increase boxing’s fan base.  Lynn Millspaugh / Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

That’s hard to say. One theory has it that Paul and Co. are bringing new, younger eyes to boxing because of their social media celebrity status. The next question is: Do these first-, second- or third-time viewers stick with the sport long term? Or do they watch only when these celebrities fight? I’ve neither seen nor heard of any data to suggest that these celebrity fights are increasing viewership but, of course, it’s possible. Another question I have is whether these events are drawing attention away from fights involving genuine boxers. For example, elite boxers Demetrius Andrade and Tony Harrison are fighting on separate cards tonight and everyone is talking about Paul-Askren. That bothers me.

No. 5 Who’s going to win?

Askren’s experience could be the difference in the fight.  Paul Miller / USA TODAY Sports

Askren. This is actually a tough call, which is why Paul is only a slight favorite. Paul has some natural ability and that size advantage, which can’t hurt. And he seems to have some punching power. I won’t be shocked if he stops Askren. At the same time, the fact that Askren has been fighting in one form or another for a couple of decades is important. He isn’t a polished boxer but he’s a seasoned veteran of combat sports, one who knows what it is to go to war. He won’t be fazed whatsoever by the moment or whatever Paul brings. In other words, this seems to me to be a fight between a street tough and a genuine fighter. And the latter almost always wins such matchups. I think Askren is going to take whatever Paul delivers, break down the bigger man and then stop him.

[lawrence-related id=19428,19425,19421,19414]

Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren: 5 key questions (and answers) going into fight

Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren: 5 key questions (and answers) going into the fight.

FIVE QUESTIONS GOING INTO JAKE PAUL VS. BEN ASKREN

YouTube personality Jake Paul and retired mixed martial artist Ben Askren are scheduled to fight one another Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta via live stream or traditional pay-per-view. Here are five questions going into the event.
Jake Paul has had no amateur experience and two pro fights.  Ethan Miller / Getty Images

No. 1 Can Jake Paul box?

No. And that’s not a knock on him. He isn’t bad for someone with no amateur experience and two professional fights against a fellow YouTube personality and a retired basketball player who had never laced on gloves. He’s simply like anyone just starting out: He has rudimentary skills at best. Boxing technique is something learned over years, not weeks or even months. To be fair to him, he’s strong and athletic, which doesn’t hurt. And he seems to take his training seriously. He’s working hard to develop his skills and maintain optimal fitness, which is something not all real fighters do. He’s trying. That said, his proclamations that he knows what he’s doing in the ring are largely garbage. No one with his level of experience does.

No. 2 Can Ben Askren box?

Ben Askren isn’t a polished striker but has experience in combat sports. Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Not really. Askren is a former college and Olympic wrestler who became a mixed martial artist, ultimately winning multiple titles. However, Askren was never known as a striker, a fighter who relies on his boxing skills. He was better at grappling because of his wrestling background. That doesn’t mean he can’t box at all. He honed his striking throughout his decade-long MMA career, which gives him an edge over Paul. Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who worked with Askren for the fight on Saturday, was impressed with his conditioning, power and ability to finish off an opponent. Plus, Askren is a genuine fighter with experience engaging in battle under a spotlight. Paul’s previous two opponents weren’t.

***

JAKE PAUL VS. BEN ASKREN: To watch the fight, go here.

***

No. 3 Will Paul’s size advantage be a factor?

Paul is taller and will likely be heavier when they step into the ring.  Ethan Miller / Getty Images

Maybe. The fighters agreed to a 190-pound catch weight (with a two-pound allowance) instead of the standard cruiserweight limit of 200. The 6-foot-1 Paul weighed in at 191¾ and 189 pounds for his two pro fights, respectively. And Askren, 5-10, fought at 170 pounds before he retired as a mixed martial artist in 2019. Askren has said he expects to weigh between 180 and 185 for the fight, which means it’s possible that he’ll be outweighed by around 10 pounds. That isn’t a huge difference in the cruiserweight division but it could be significant. At the same time, Askren is strong and well-conditioned. That could compensate for any weight disparity.

No. 4 Is this type of fight good for boxing?

It’s difficult to determine when such fights increase boxing’s fan base.  Lynn Millspaugh / Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

That’s hard to say. One theory has it that Paul and Co. are bringing new, younger eyes to boxing because of their social media celebrity status. The next question is: Do these first-, second- or third-time viewers stick with the sport long term? Or do they watch only when these celebrities fight? I’ve neither seen nor heard of any data to suggest that these celebrity fights are increasing viewership but, of course, it’s possible. Another question I have is whether these events are drawing attention away from fights involving genuine boxers. For example, elite boxers Demetrius Andrade and Tony Harrison are fighting on separate cards tonight and everyone is talking about Paul-Askren. That bothers me.

No. 5 Who’s going to win?

Askren’s experience could be the difference in the fight.  Paul Miller / USA TODAY Sports

Askren. This is actually a tough call, which is why Paul is only a slight favorite. Paul has some natural ability and that size advantage, which can’t hurt. And he seems to have some punching power. I won’t be shocked if he stops Askren. At the same time, the fact that Askren has been fighting in one form or another for a couple of decades is important. He isn’t a polished boxer but he’s a seasoned veteran of combat sports, one who knows what it is to go to war. He won’t be fazed whatsoever by the moment or whatever Paul brings. In other words, this seems to me to be a fight between a street tough and a genuine fighter. And the latter almost always wins such matchups. I think Askren is going to take whatever Paul delivers, break down the bigger man and then stop him.

[lawrence-related id=19428,19425,19421,19414]

Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren: date, time, how to watch, background

Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren: date, time, how to watch, background.

youtube personality jake paul is set to face an acutal fighter — former wrestler and mma star ben askren — for the first time saturday in atlanta.

***

JAKE PAUL (2-0, 2 KOs) VS.
BEN ASKREN (debut)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VZlTCLPVEY

  • Date: Saturday, April 17
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
  • TV/Stream: PPV and FITE
  • Cost: Live stream on FITE.TV and TrillerFightClub.com, as well as traditional pay-per-view for $49.99.
  • Division: Cruiserweight (eight rounds)
  • At stake: No titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Even (BetMGM)
  • Also on the card: Regis Prograis vs. Ivan Redkach, junior welterweights; Steve Cunningham vs. Frank Mir, heavyweights
  • Prediction: Askren KO 3
  • Background: Paul, the YouTube personality who fancies himself a legitimate boxer, will take on his third consecutive opponent with no boxing experience. This one is a little different, though. Askren is a real, seasoned fighter, albeit as a mixed martial artist. The former amateur wrestler isn’t known for his striking but he has considerable experience in the octogen, where he enjoyed success. He won multiple titles and reportedly finished with a record of 19-2 (with one no-contest). To his credit, Paul seems to be taking his boxing career – such as it is – seriously. He reportedly trains hard and takes pride in his progress. We’ll see whether that’s enough to overcome a genuine warrior. In a real fight on the card, junior welterweight contender Regis Prograis (25-1, 21 KOs) will face Ivan Redkach (23-5-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Prograis rebounded from his majority decision loss to Josh Taylor in 2019, which cost him his world title, by stopping Juan Heraldez in three rounds last October. Redkach (23-5-1, 18 KOs) last fought in January of last year, when he lost a wide decision to Danny Garcia at 147 pounds.

[lawrence-related id=17553,17333,15857] 

Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren: date, time, how to watch, background

Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren: date, time, how to watch, background.

youtube personality jake paul is set to face an acutal fighter — former wrestler and mma star ben askren — for the first time saturday in atlanta.

***

JAKE PAUL (2-0, 2 KOs) VS.
BEN ASKREN (debut)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VZlTCLPVEY

  • Date: Saturday, April 17
  • Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT (main event later in show)
  • Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
  • TV/Stream: PPV and FITE
  • Cost: Live stream on FITE.TV and TrillerFightClub.com, as well as traditional pay-per-view for $49.99.
  • Division: Cruiserweight (eight rounds)
  • At stake: No titles
  • Pound-for-pound ranking: None
  • Odds: Even (BetMGM)
  • Also on the card: Regis Prograis vs. Ivan Redkach, junior welterweights; Steve Cunningham vs. Frank Mir, heavyweights
  • Prediction: Askren KO 3
  • Background: Paul, the YouTube personality who fancies himself a legitimate boxer, will take on his third consecutive opponent with no boxing experience. This one is a little different, though. Askren is a real, seasoned fighter, albeit as a mixed martial artist. The former amateur wrestler isn’t known for his striking but he has considerable experience in the octogen, where he enjoyed success. He won multiple titles and reportedly finished with a record of 19-2 (with one no-contest). To his credit, Paul seems to be taking his boxing career – such as it is – seriously. He reportedly trains hard and takes pride in his progress. We’ll see whether that’s enough to overcome a genuine warrior. In a real fight on the card, junior welterweight contender Regis Prograis (25-1, 21 KOs) will face Ivan Redkach (23-5-1, 18 KOs) in a 10-round bout. Prograis rebounded from his majority decision loss to Josh Taylor in 2019, which cost him his world title, by stopping Juan Heraldez in three rounds last October. Redkach (23-5-1, 18 KOs) last fought in January of last year, when he lost a wide decision to Danny Garcia at 147 pounds.

[lawrence-related id=17553,17333,15857] 

Jake Paul out to prove he’s more than a celebrity boxer

Jake Paul, who fights Ben Askren on Saturday, said he’s out to prove he’s more than a celebrity boxer.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on USAToday.com.

***

A brutal knockout of retired NBA player Nate Robinson in November elevated Jake Paul’s status as a boxer. But not enough to end the skepticism.

Dana White, the president of UFC, has said he would bet $1 million that Paul will lose to retired MMA fighter Ben Askren in their boxing match Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

When asked about White’s comment, Paul replied, “He is one of the many bird-brained people out there who don’t understand that Jake Paul is a real fighter.”

This week, Paul is facing more serious questions than whether he is a real fighter.

TikTok personality Justine Paradise has accused Paul of sexual assault. In a 20-minute YouTube video posted Friday, Paradise, 24, accused Paul, also 24, of forcing her into having oral sex during a July 2019 social gathering at his Team 10 residence in Calabasas, California.

On Tuesday, Paul issued a written statement in which he dismissed Paradise’s claim as a grab for attention conveniently timed before his fight Saturday.

“Not only have I never had any sexual relationship with this individual, but this claim is solely a manufactured accusation and a blatant attempt for attention during a highly visible fight week,” Paul said.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=3t5gnZuVoVo

Paul is entering his fourth boxing match (third as a pro) and has yet to fight a trained boxer. Although he is undefeated, Paul’s first two opponents were YouTube celebrities, followed by Robinson, a retired NBA player who was making his boxing debut on Nov. 28 when he was floored by a crushing right hand from Paul.

So, real fighter? Or just a celebrity boxer?

The answer should be clearer Saturday night.

“Jake thinks he’s a high-level boxer,’’ Askren said. “I think he’s fairly delusional.”

Askren, 36, will be making his pro boxing debut, but he has legitimate fighting credentials. He was 19-2 as a professional MMA fighter and beat Robby Lawler, a former UFC welterweight champion.

Askren also was a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and competed at the 2008 Olympics.

“Yeah, he’s a real fighter,’’ Paul said. “And that’s why I wanted to do this fight, is to show the world like this real fighter is getting with Jake Paul and he’s going to get KO’d in two rounds.”

The eight-round cruiserweight fight will be available on FITE TV, a subscription fee streaming site, and on pay-per-view for $49.99 at Triller and through other outlets.

During an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Paul addressed a variety of topics, such as whether he needs to fight a trained boxer to be considered a real fighter.

“To be honest, I don’t think the answer is yes,’’ he said. “I think if I was trying to become a world champion, then, yes. Then I would have to fight someone who was trained in boxing their whole entire life. But that’s not my goal.

“I think the goal is I want to become the biggest prizefighter in the world, which would mean getting paid more than [Floyd] Mayweather and getting paid more than [Conor] McGregor.”

JAKE PAUL VS. BEN ASKREN: How to watch Triller fight card, start time, odds, live streaming info

Paul said he’s had brain scans to see what degree of trauma he has experienced. Then why expose himself to more risk?

“I figure I’m smarter than the average person anyways,” he said. “So if I take a couple of hits to the brain, I’ll be fine.”

Regarding the brain trauma, he said he suffered “a ton of concussions’’ playing football and wrestling when he was growing up in Ohio. He began boxing about three years ago.

“Even when I got my brain scan before I was boxing, it already wasn’t good,’’ he said. “I’ve had three fights, which isn’t a lot on paper. But what people don’t see is the 400 sparring sessions that I’ve had in the past 3½ years.

“So it’s really something that has been developed in sparring because even in my past two fights I didn’t get hit once in the head.”

Asked about his symptoms from brain trauma, Paul said, “It’s very subtle. But it goes to show I am sacrificing everything quite literally to do this. I’ve changed my whole entire life to dedicate myself to this sport.

“Just nonstop boxing, nonstop recovery, nonstop strength and conditioning. You’re eating healthy, you can’t party, you can only have sex once a week. You’re sacrificing pretty much everything. And I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.’

Though he called White a bird brain, Paul said he welcomes the naysayers and doubters.

“It motivates me more than words can explain,’’ he said. “There’s some days where I don’t feel like practicing or stretching or doing ice baths or eating flavorless chicken with rice.

“But I just remember all these people, all these millions of people, waiting to see me fail. And it’s almost like I put my back against the wall on purpose, so that I’m forcing myself to work harder and become greater.

“It’s no pressure, no diamond, right? The pressure for me has always driven me to be amazing.”

[lawrence-related id=19414,19384,19170,18463]

Jake Paul out to prove he’s more than a celebrity boxer

Jake Paul, who fights Ben Askren on Saturday, said he’s out to prove he’s more than a celebrity boxer.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on USAToday.com.

***

A brutal knockout of retired NBA player Nate Robinson in November elevated Jake Paul’s status as a boxer. But not enough to end the skepticism.

Dana White, the president of UFC, has said he would bet $1 million that Paul will lose to retired MMA fighter Ben Askren in their boxing match Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

When asked about White’s comment, Paul replied, “He is one of the many bird-brained people out there who don’t understand that Jake Paul is a real fighter.”

This week, Paul is facing more serious questions than whether he is a real fighter.

TikTok personality Justine Paradise has accused Paul of sexual assault. In a 20-minute YouTube video posted Friday, Paradise, 24, accused Paul, also 24, of forcing her into having oral sex during a July 2019 social gathering at his Team 10 residence in Calabasas, California.

On Tuesday, Paul issued a written statement in which he dismissed Paradise’s claim as a grab for attention conveniently timed before his fight Saturday.

“Not only have I never had any sexual relationship with this individual, but this claim is solely a manufactured accusation and a blatant attempt for attention during a highly visible fight week,” Paul said.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=3t5gnZuVoVo

Paul is entering his fourth boxing match (third as a pro) and has yet to fight a trained boxer. Although he is undefeated, Paul’s first two opponents were YouTube celebrities, followed by Robinson, a retired NBA player who was making his boxing debut on Nov. 28 when he was floored by a crushing right hand from Paul.

So, real fighter? Or just a celebrity boxer?

The answer should be clearer Saturday night.

“Jake thinks he’s a high-level boxer,’’ Askren said. “I think he’s fairly delusional.”

Askren, 36, will be making his pro boxing debut, but he has legitimate fighting credentials. He was 19-2 as a professional MMA fighter and beat Robby Lawler, a former UFC welterweight champion.

Askren also was a two-time NCAA Division I wrestling champion and competed at the 2008 Olympics.

“Yeah, he’s a real fighter,’’ Paul said. “And that’s why I wanted to do this fight, is to show the world like this real fighter is getting with Jake Paul and he’s going to get KO’d in two rounds.”

The eight-round cruiserweight fight will be available on FITE TV, a subscription fee streaming site, and on pay-per-view for $49.99 at Triller and through other outlets.

During an interview with USA TODAY Sports, Paul addressed a variety of topics, such as whether he needs to fight a trained boxer to be considered a real fighter.

“To be honest, I don’t think the answer is yes,’’ he said. “I think if I was trying to become a world champion, then, yes. Then I would have to fight someone who was trained in boxing their whole entire life. But that’s not my goal.

“I think the goal is I want to become the biggest prizefighter in the world, which would mean getting paid more than [Floyd] Mayweather and getting paid more than [Conor] McGregor.”

JAKE PAUL VS. BEN ASKREN: How to watch Triller fight card, start time, odds, live streaming info

Paul said he’s had brain scans to see what degree of trauma he has experienced. Then why expose himself to more risk?

“I figure I’m smarter than the average person anyways,” he said. “So if I take a couple of hits to the brain, I’ll be fine.”

Regarding the brain trauma, he said he suffered “a ton of concussions’’ playing football and wrestling when he was growing up in Ohio. He began boxing about three years ago.

“Even when I got my brain scan before I was boxing, it already wasn’t good,’’ he said. “I’ve had three fights, which isn’t a lot on paper. But what people don’t see is the 400 sparring sessions that I’ve had in the past 3½ years.

“So it’s really something that has been developed in sparring because even in my past two fights I didn’t get hit once in the head.”

Asked about his symptoms from brain trauma, Paul said, “It’s very subtle. But it goes to show I am sacrificing everything quite literally to do this. I’ve changed my whole entire life to dedicate myself to this sport.

“Just nonstop boxing, nonstop recovery, nonstop strength and conditioning. You’re eating healthy, you can’t party, you can only have sex once a week. You’re sacrificing pretty much everything. And I wouldn’t want to have it any other way.’

Though he called White a bird brain, Paul said he welcomes the naysayers and doubters.

“It motivates me more than words can explain,’’ he said. “There’s some days where I don’t feel like practicing or stretching or doing ice baths or eating flavorless chicken with rice.

“But I just remember all these people, all these millions of people, waiting to see me fail. And it’s almost like I put my back against the wall on purpose, so that I’m forcing myself to work harder and become greater.

“It’s no pressure, no diamond, right? The pressure for me has always driven me to be amazing.”

[lawrence-related id=19414,19384,19170,18463]

Jake Paul denies ‘manufactured accusation’ of sexual assault

Jake Paul denies ‘manufactured accusation’ of sexual assault by TikTok personality Justine Paradise.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on MMAJunkie.com.

***

YouTube star Jake Paul has denied what he’s calling a “manufactured accusation” of sexual assault made against him by TikTok personality Justine Paradise.

On Tuesday, Paul issued a written statement in which he dismissed Paradise’s claim as a grab for attention conveniently timed before his boxing match with Ben Askren. He vowed to pursue legal action in response.

“Not only have I never had any sexual relationship with this individual, but this claim is solely a manufactured accusation and a blatant attempt for attention during a highly visible fight week,” Paul said.

“Make no mistake, I plan on pursuing this defamation of character case to the fullest extent of the law. There are irreparable damages from these types of accusations, and more important, false allegations of this nature diminish those who have truly been victims of misconduct.”

In a 20-minute YouTube video posted last Friday, Paradise, 24, accused Paul, also 24, of forcing her into having oral sex during a July 2019 social gathering at his Team 10 residence in Calabasas, Calif. She opened her video by expressing hesitance for going public since the alleged incident took place nearly two years ago.

“The time going by doesn’t change anything,” Paradise said. “It still happened, and I still think about it every single day since it happened.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1iYfSdLORo

Paradise said Paul flirted with her via text message from across the house before they started talking, which eventually led to consensual kissing. Paradise said things moved to Paul’s bedroom.

“We were, like, kissing and stuff and then he, like, took it to his bed. Sex is very special and very important to me, but I haven’t had sex with that many people. I haven’t,” Paradise said.

“Normally, not all the time, but normally, everybody respects me when I don’t want to do sexual things, so I thought that it was fine if I went in his room, and I thought it would be fine to kiss him because I thought he would stop if I didn’t want to do anything else. Like, that’s normal. That’s what you do.”

According to Paradise, Paul kept trying to advance further by moving his and her hands to parts of their bodies, which made her “uncomfortable.” She said Paul told her, “If nothing is going to happen then what’s the point?” She alleged that Paul forced her into oral sex after that.

“When he got up, he undid his pants and grabbed my face and started, um, f—ing my face,” Paradise said.

She went on to detail how Paul got on top of her and controlled her head. She said it lasted “less than 30 seconds” and ended with Paul ejaculating in her mouth.

Paradise said he didn’t have any contact with Paul after that night.

Paul never mentioned Paradise by name in his statement and categorically denied the allegations.

“I most certainly have never laid a finger on a girl without their consent,” Paul said. “I will fight this to the end to prove my innocence. This isn’t the first preposterous allegation made against me in my career and it most likely won’t be the last.”

You can read Paul’s full statement below:

“Sexual assault accusations aren’t something that I, or anyone should ever take lightly, but to be crystal clear, this claim made against me is 100% false.

“Not only have I never had any sexual relationship with this individual, but this claim is solely a manufactured accusation and a blatant attempt for attention during a highly visible fight week. Make no mistake, I plan on pursuing this defamation of character case to the fullest extent of the law. There are irreparable damages from these types of accusations, and more important, false allegation of this nature diminish those who have truly been victims of misconduct.

“Again, this individual is directly using the attention from her social media posts and video to promote her adult content website and Amazon shopping list – designed for people to buy her gifts. These allegations come conveniently for her, almost 2 years after the alleged incident and the week of my fight (of course).

“At the time of her story I was in a relationship, and as someone who was a momma’s boy growing up, I respect women and mothers more than anything. I most certainly have never laid a finger on a girl without their consent.”

Paul is slated to fight Askren this Saturday in the headliner of a Triller Fight Club pay-per-view at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

[lawrence-related id=19384,19170,18463]

Jake Paul denies ‘manufactured accusation’ of sexual assault

Jake Paul denies ‘manufactured accusation’ of sexual assault by TikTok personality Justine Paradise.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on MMAJunkie.com.

***

YouTube star Jake Paul has denied what he’s calling a “manufactured accusation” of sexual assault made against him by TikTok personality Justine Paradise.

On Tuesday, Paul issued a written statement in which he dismissed Paradise’s claim as a grab for attention conveniently timed before his boxing match with Ben Askren. He vowed to pursue legal action in response.

“Not only have I never had any sexual relationship with this individual, but this claim is solely a manufactured accusation and a blatant attempt for attention during a highly visible fight week,” Paul said.

“Make no mistake, I plan on pursuing this defamation of character case to the fullest extent of the law. There are irreparable damages from these types of accusations, and more important, false allegations of this nature diminish those who have truly been victims of misconduct.”

In a 20-minute YouTube video posted last Friday, Paradise, 24, accused Paul, also 24, of forcing her into having oral sex during a July 2019 social gathering at his Team 10 residence in Calabasas, Calif. She opened her video by expressing hesitance for going public since the alleged incident took place nearly two years ago.

“The time going by doesn’t change anything,” Paradise said. “It still happened, and I still think about it every single day since it happened.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1iYfSdLORo

Paradise said Paul flirted with her via text message from across the house before they started talking, which eventually led to consensual kissing. Paradise said things moved to Paul’s bedroom.

“We were, like, kissing and stuff and then he, like, took it to his bed. Sex is very special and very important to me, but I haven’t had sex with that many people. I haven’t,” Paradise said.

“Normally, not all the time, but normally, everybody respects me when I don’t want to do sexual things, so I thought that it was fine if I went in his room, and I thought it would be fine to kiss him because I thought he would stop if I didn’t want to do anything else. Like, that’s normal. That’s what you do.”

According to Paradise, Paul kept trying to advance further by moving his and her hands to parts of their bodies, which made her “uncomfortable.” She said Paul told her, “If nothing is going to happen then what’s the point?” She alleged that Paul forced her into oral sex after that.

“When he got up, he undid his pants and grabbed my face and started, um, f—ing my face,” Paradise said.

She went on to detail how Paul got on top of her and controlled her head. She said it lasted “less than 30 seconds” and ended with Paul ejaculating in her mouth.

Paradise said he didn’t have any contact with Paul after that night.

Paul never mentioned Paradise by name in his statement and categorically denied the allegations.

“I most certainly have never laid a finger on a girl without their consent,” Paul said. “I will fight this to the end to prove my innocence. This isn’t the first preposterous allegation made against me in my career and it most likely won’t be the last.”

You can read Paul’s full statement below:

“Sexual assault accusations aren’t something that I, or anyone should ever take lightly, but to be crystal clear, this claim made against me is 100% false.

“Not only have I never had any sexual relationship with this individual, but this claim is solely a manufactured accusation and a blatant attempt for attention during a highly visible fight week. Make no mistake, I plan on pursuing this defamation of character case to the fullest extent of the law. There are irreparable damages from these types of accusations, and more important, false allegation of this nature diminish those who have truly been victims of misconduct.

“Again, this individual is directly using the attention from her social media posts and video to promote her adult content website and Amazon shopping list – designed for people to buy her gifts. These allegations come conveniently for her, almost 2 years after the alleged incident and the week of my fight (of course).

“At the time of her story I was in a relationship, and as someone who was a momma’s boy growing up, I respect women and mothers more than anything. I most certainly have never laid a finger on a girl without their consent.”

Paul is slated to fight Askren this Saturday in the headliner of a Triller Fight Club pay-per-view at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

[lawrence-related id=19384,19170,18463]

Video: Jake Paul and Ben Askren get physical during faceoff

Video: Jake Paul and Ben Askren got physical during a faceoff at their press conference.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on MMAJunkie.com.

***

LAS VEGAS – Jake Paul and Ben Askren had their first faceoff ahead of their boxing match on Friday, and they were unable to keep hands off each other.

Following a press conference where many words were exchanged between the two sides, Paul and Askren came face to face for a stare down. After some jawing at each other, Askren turned to walk away and put his hand across Paul’s face. That caused Paul to respond, shoving Askren from behind as the former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder briefly stumbled forward.

The altercation stopped there, and both men went on their way.

The Paul vs. Askren boxing match headlines the Triller Fight Club event on April 17. The card takes place at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta and airs on pay-per-view.

Watch the video of the faceoff below.

https://youtu.be/XFFxaVtCD-Y

[lawrence-related id=18463,17513,17338,17333]

Video: Jake Paul and Ben Askren get physical during faceoff

Video: Jake Paul and Ben Askren got physical during a faceoff at their press conference.

Editor’s note: This article was originally published on MMAJunkie.com.

***

LAS VEGAS – Jake Paul and Ben Askren had their first faceoff ahead of their boxing match on Friday, and they were unable to keep hands off each other.

Following a press conference where many words were exchanged between the two sides, Paul and Askren came face to face for a stare down. After some jawing at each other, Askren turned to walk away and put his hand across Paul’s face. That caused Paul to respond, shoving Askren from behind as the former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder briefly stumbled forward.

The altercation stopped there, and both men went on their way.

The Paul vs. Askren boxing match headlines the Triller Fight Club event on April 17. The card takes place at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta and airs on pay-per-view.

Watch the video of the faceoff below.

https://youtu.be/XFFxaVtCD-Y

[lawrence-related id=18463,17513,17338,17333]