Boxing
Ben Askren beating Jake Paul would be a 'public service', says Freddie Roach
Trainer Freddie Roach said that Ben Askren beating Jake Paul would be a ‘public service’.
The pair are set to fight on April 17 on pay-per-view in the latest crossover event from the YouTube celebrity.
Askren is a former UFC fighter who retired from the discipline and has undergone hip surgery, and Dana White organised a session for his former fighter with Roach, who encouraged Askren to beat Paul.
Roach, speaking via the BonusCodeBets.co.uk blog, said: "I do share Dana's confidence. I'd really like Ben to win this fight and I'll be tuning in to watch it. I can't see Jake maintaining the pace Ben will be dictating. And once Jake begins to slow down, Ben will punish him.
"Ben is a pro and a good finisher. That comes from experience at an elite level. What has Jake Paul learned from the level of opposition he has faced? Ben knocking Jake Paul on his a— will be a nice YouTube highlight. I told Ben that beating Jake Paul would be more than a victory, it would be a public service."
"Ben has enjoyed success at an elite level against opposition that is far superior to the opponents Jake has faced. Ben knows this and it should give him enormous confidence going into this fight. Ben's power and conditioning are miles ahead of Jake. Ben just needs to crowd Jake.
"If Ben fights like Joe Frazier, he's going to win like Joe Frazier. Ben will need to be on the attack at all times. I think it will be an exciting fight."
Roach explained how the meeting with Askren came about, and explained how they had used their time together to prepare for the bout.
"I received a call from my friend Dana White who asked if I would work with Ben to prepare for his fight with Jake Paul. I had hoped it would be a full camp, but Ben was only able to spend one week with me at Wild Card,” he stated.
"Ben came out in mid March and we worked together for six days. We made the most of our time together - he sparred on his first day at Wild Card followed by 12 rounds on the mitts. Not many fighters can do that on their first day in the gym. He worked his tail off all week.
"He has impressive power in his punches and his conditioning is off the charts. I don't think Jake will be able to keep up with Ben much less keep Ben off of him.
"Ben and I worked on controlling the pace of the fight, controlling the distance between him and Jake. To me, those two factors are crucial for Ben to succeed. Ben was a quick study and picked up on everything I showed him.”
Roach also warned Paul off aiming for a fight with Tommy Fury, suggesting the American has some weaknesses to target.
"Jake has a good jab and he throws long punches. Ben will need to be a boss inside the ring - push him around and establish his ground, then crowd him. That will take away Jake's strength,” Roach began.
"Jake is green. He is a product of good matchmaking. And yes, Jake has several weaknesses we will exploit, and no, I will not share those weaknesses before the fight!
"I think it's a lot safer for Jake Paul if he sticks with exchanging words instead of punches with Tommy Fury."
