Jake Paul vs Ben Askren: Prediction, undercard, UK fight time, ring walk, TV, how to watch, live stream, odds

Internet celebrity Jake Paul and former MMA star Ben Askren face off tonight in a much-hyped boxing match in Atlanta.

The Saturday evening contest is Paul’s third professional fight following his initial first-round destruction of fellow YouTube star AnEsonGib last January and November’s brutal early stoppage of ex-NBA player Nate Robinson, which took place on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s exhibition return against Roy Jones Jr.

Now the 24-year-old - younger brother of Logan Paul, who has also turned his hand to professional boxing - steps up against a seasoned fighter in Askren, who retired from the world of mixed martial arts in 2019.

“Funky’s” short three-fight UFC career featured two losses and will be best remembered for his five-second defeat inflicted by the flying knee of Jorge Masvidal, though he is a former Bellator and ONE welterweight world champion and US Olympian with a highly-decorated wrestling background.

Though Askren is an elite grappler, he was certainly not known for his striking prowess during his time competing in MMA circles, giving cause to question how he will fare in a contest slated for eight rounds under traditional boxing rules.

Triller’s undercard features a clash between former world light-welterweight champion Regis Prograis and Ivan Redkach.

Meanwhile, former two-time UFC heavyweight title-holder Frank Mir takes on ex-cruiserweight boxing champion Steve Cunningham and Colombian reggaeton artist Reykon fights against London entrepreneur Joe Fournier.

The event also features live musical performances from stars such as Justin Bieber, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Major Lazer, Diplo and the Black Keys.

Also performing will be the new hip-hop supergroup Mt. Westmore, which features Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too Short and E-40.

Jake Paul vs Ben Askren fight card/undercard in full

Jake Paul vs Ben Askren

Regis Prograis vs Ivan Redkach

Steve Cunningham vs Frank Mir

Joe Fournier vs Reykon

Lorenzo Simpson vs Francisco Emanuel Torres

Junior Younan vs Jeyson Minda

Quinton Randall vs William Jackson

Jake Paul vs Ben Askren weigh-in

Jake Paul, accompanied by a robot mascot, weighed in at 191.5lbs with Ben Askren a shade lighter at 191lbs.

Introduced by Boxing Hall of Fame announcer Michael Buffer, Askren made his prediction of a seventh round knockout followed by Paul who said: “I don’t think he makes it out of two rounds. Look at the guy. He’s got a beer belly. Clearly, he didn’t take training camp seriously, and we all did the talking.

Askren then interrupted announcer Ray Flores to add: “People told me, but I didn’t realise until I got so close, but that hairline’s moving back really quickly.”

Paul vs Askren date, UK start time, venue and ring walks

Paul vs Askren takes place on Saturday, April 17, 2021 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, with 200 fans allowed to attend following a ticket giveaway.

In the UK, the main event is not expected to begin until approximately 4am BST on Sunday morning, with the undercard getting underway at around 2am.

How to watch Paul vs Askren and price

Live stream: In the UK, this pay-per-view event is being shown live online by digital streaming service FITE TV, at a cost of £17.

Paul vs Askren prediction

Whatever your position is on these increasingly popular and lucrative crossover fights, most can at least agree that Jake Paul has thus far displayed a decent level of athleticism and boxing skill, though his opponents have obviously left a lot to be desired - the Robinson fight in particular was very difficult to watch and for many highlighted the dangers associated with these sorts of events.

Askren’s lack of striking pedigree may cost him dearly in a boxing match, though footage released by his camp over recent days have tried to dispel that theory.

Askren will no doubt feel he is representing not just MMA when he takes to the squared circle, but also the whole sphere of combat sport diehards that have worked, watched or trained at this their whole lives.

We’re backing his greater fight savvy and experience to halt Paul’s boxing ascent via decision, though it’s unlikely to be pretty.

Paul vs Askren betting odds

Paul to win: 8/15

Draw: 18/1

Askren to win: 6/4

Paul by KO/TKO or DQ: 10/11

Paul by points or decision: 9/2

Askren by KO/TKO or DQ: 7/2

Askren by points or decision: 16/5

Odds via Betfair Exchange (subject to change). Click here to find out more.

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