Ben Askren has enlisted the help of Hall-of-Fame trainer Freddie Roach for his April boxing match against Jake Paul.
If fans thought for the slightest second that Ben Askren wasn’t serious about his training for Jake Paul, this latest update from the former UFC welterweight’s fight camp might change a few minds. The former Bellator and ONE Championship titleholder recently revealed to MMA Junkie Radio that he’s enlisted the help of one of the best trainers of all-time.
“I’m only in LA for a week, so I’m gonna get as much as I can out of Freddie Roach,” Askren said. “I’m gonna try to pick his brain.”
We’ve already seen Askren’s training videos and sparring footage, none of which paint a very technical portrait of his ability. The “Funky” one, however, is fine with the modest expectations he’d set for himself.
“I’m trying to be as good of a boxer as I can. I’m not under the impression that I’m maybe a pro boxer,” the 36-year-old Askren said. “I’ve been top ten in the world in four different sports. I know what it’s like to be world-class. I’m not gonna be a world-class boxer.
“But I don’t gotta be a world-class boxer. I just gotta beat up Jake freaking Paul. That ain’t gonna be that hard.”
Of course, Askren isn’t the only MMA fighter training with Roach these days. Even top-five lightweight contenders are doing so with the intent of elevating their game.
Thanks Coach -CSO- https://t.co/Y4vjmkVcLb
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) February 25, 2021
Paul vs. Askren will take place on April 17 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. You can purchase the PPV through FITE.tv for $49.99.