ATLANTA – Jake Paul says Ben Askren can’t get away with cheating in their boxing match.
Not long after the Triller Fight Club headliner was announced on Saturday earlier this year, Askren told MMA Junkie that there were no clauses in his contract that would stop him from using MMA tactics, such as a takedown or slam. Apparently that has changed in the days leading up to the match.
Paul said contracts for the eight-round bout at Mercedes-Benz Stadium have been finalized, and there is specific language that will severely punish Askren.
“I don’t think the fight will last long enough to even think about bringing me down,” Paul told MMA Junkie on Wednesday. “We just signed the competition agreement a few days ago. He will lose his wallet if he does. … If he does such a thing, his wallet will be eliminated in the match agreement. If he wants to lose all the money for the fight, go ahead. I beat him in wrestling boots. He will be slapped in wrestling shoes, which I find hilarious. “
However, according to Askren, Paul’s claim is not true (via Twitter
This is not true https://t.co/G0RzMwb6qF
– Funky (@Benaskren) April 14, 2021
This is wrong
As for the fight, many experts believe that Askren’s best chance of winning is to gobble up Paul through clinch fights and dirty boxing, trying to tire him out. Askren has predicted a seventh round TKO, which is in line with the belief that a longer fight would serve him better.
Paul said he is well aware of Askren’s best path to victory, but he has no intention of allowing it.
“I don’t think Ben can come near me,” said Paul. “My distance control is 10 times better than his. And if he does, he will be picked up from the inside. That’s one thing we’ve really worked on in this camp, my inner fighting game. He can come in, but he will be cracked. If he wants to hold me, he will just lose points. “
Leading up to Saturday’s fight, Paul addressed personal issues. He released a lengthy statement denying any allegation of sexual assault from TikTok personality Justine Paradise. Before that, his old head of security, Shadow, died of a heart attack.
Paul said he uses the latter situation as inspiration and wants to fulfill a prediction presented a day before his friend’s sudden death.
“Early knockout for Shadow,” said Paul. “Shadow said it would be 2:28 in the first round, and he said he had a vivid dream and he told me the day before he died.”