Jake Paul is praising former opponent Ben Askren as “certainly one of the hardest fighters of all time” after a life-threatening battle with pneumonia.
Within the wake of Askren’s latest health update Wednesday, when he revealed he “only died 4 times” before receiving a double lung transplant, Paul took to X to applaud Askren’s perseverance.
“Shout out to Ben Askren,” Paul posted on social media. “Just proved that he’s certainly one of the hardest fighters of all time.”
Paul defeated Askren in a highly publicized boxing match in April 2021.
The 40-year-old Askren made his first public comments this week after being hospitalized in late June with severe pneumonia.
His wife, Amy, had been keeping fans updated about his condition.
“It’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous,” he said in an Instagram video. “So, I only died 4 times, where the ticker stopped for about 20 seconds. That’s not ideal. I don’t think you guys know that. But I got the double lung transplant. I made it out to the opposite side of it, gaining quite a little bit of strength.”
Askren dropped about 50 kilos over 45 days, weighing in at 147.
Amy, who has been married to Askren since 2010, revealed in late June that he received a brand new set of lungs and underwent a successful procedure.
“I’m more motivated than ever to maintain giving back and do what I can and help out the perfect I may also help out,” Askren said within the clip.
“I like you guys. I appreciate you guys. This has been tough, not only on me, but my whole family and my close community. So, I appreciate every thing. Hope you guys appreciate the update. And like I said, sometime down the road, possibly Amy and I can detail every thing somewhat more.”
Askren holds a formidable 19-2 MMA record, winning the ONE Championship welterweight title in 2014 and the Bellator welterweight championship in 2010, before eventually moving to the UFC.
He posted a 1-2 record within the promotion.
UFC President Dana White said before Askren fought Paul that he would bet $1 million that Askren, with whom he had a dicey relationship, would beat Paul within the boxing match.
Paul ultimately defeated Askren within two minutes in a tricky showing for the previous Olympic wrestler.
