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Jake Paul’s credentials as a ‘real fighter’ have been called into question just days before his fight with Ben Askren by a former sparring partner.
The YouTube sensation has campaigned for a bout against a recognised brawler after two knockout wins from two fights thus far, although the calibre of his opponents has left a lot to be desired.
Having knocked out a fellow YouTuber in his debut in January 2020, Paul then scored a second stoppage victory on the undercard of Mike Tyson’s comeback fight against Roy Jones Jr, this time against a former NBA player who had never fought before.
However, Askren has an impressive CV inside the cage having been a welterweight world champion in two separate organisations and beating former UFC champion Robbie Lawler on his debut.
‘Funky’ may not be renowned for his striking prowess, but the veteran has faced powerful punchers like Lawler and Douglas Lima and triumphed.
Former UFC fighter Markus Perez was drafted into the 24-year-old’s team to help him prepare for his third ever fight, yet after their sparring encounter together, he is confident Askren can end the fight early.
“To tell you the truth I had no idea who [Paul] was, but when someone related to him offered me $300 (to train with him), I decided to accept,” Perez told Brazilian outlet .
“When I arrived at his house with my friend Alexandre Pantoja, I politely went to greet everyone.
“But when I went to shake hands, he gave me a closed fist. Then I looked at Pantoja and asked, ‘That was the guy I came to help?’
“He started the sparring going hard, and I hit him with a jab in the end of the first round and his nose started to bleed. From that point on we started to fight.
“I called for him to beat me up and he was afraid, just circling and staying out of my range.
“Of course, he is able to box and has a good cross, but he is clearly not a fighter - just an adventurous (type).
"Askren is a real fighter. He will close the distance and beat him up around the body and liver, just like I did.
“A fight is always a fight, anything can happen, but I believe he will knock Paul out around the second or third round.”
Perez, who was released from the UFC after three years with the promotion, was also promised $300 for helping Paul in his camp.
However, the 24-year-old failed to pay the full amount and Perez believes he knows why.
“They just gave me $150,” he added. “But in that regard, I have to support their attitude. I also wouldn’t pay $300 for someone who kicked my ass, the way I did with him.”
