'Madness': YouTuber Jake Paul 'embarrassed' in boxing standoff
The build-up for the fight between YouTuber Jake Paul and former MMA star Ben Askren has taken off after the pair squared off for the first time ahead of their exhibition bout.
The controversial YouTuber has been talking a big game ahead of his boxing match with Askren, a 36-year-old former wrestling champion and UFC fighter, and has even tempted UFC boss Dana White to make a million dollar bet on the encounter.
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Paul continued his chat in the press conference as he often interrupted Askren with his antics.
But the action really kicked-up at the stare down.
Instead of standing behind the Covid-19 glass wall to avoid close contact, Paul goaded Askren to come face-to-face with him.
Askren eventually obliged and approached Paul.
But after Paul and his team continued to stir Askren up, the unflappable fighter turned away and face-palmed the YouTuber.
Paul reacted with what looked like an odd slap to Askren's side as he walked away.
He then pushed Askren, who hadn't flinched, before officials stepped in between.
Askren's face-palm and calm nature had many claim the former UFC fighter had clearly rattled Paul.
Many also labelled the whole encounter 'embarrassing'.
The first faceoff between @JakePaul and @BenAskren got physical. 😬 pic.twitter.com/jqbPGYQHw6
— MMA Junkie (@MMAjunkie) March 26, 2021
lmao Ben Askren and Jake Paul stare down pic.twitter.com/ricvDmcrqo
— Troydan (@Troydan) March 26, 2021
Damn , Jake Paul Punched Ben Askren in the side & Ben did not even flinch!!!
YIKES!pic.twitter.com/PYf5uXmaRP— KEEM 🍿 (@KEEMSTAR) March 26, 2021
Things got physical between Jake Paul and Ben Askren 👀 pic.twitter.com/6SjUXv69jg
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) March 26, 2021
😂😂😂 embarrassing
— Albert Ah Wai (@AlbertAhWai) March 27, 2021
.@jakepaul’s YouTube influencer world is about to clash with @Benaskren’s MMA fighter world and it’s going to be a mix of madness, confusion and delusion.
I can’t wait!— Kevin Carrillo (@KevinLCarrillo) March 27, 2021
Daniel Cormier weighs in on Paul and Askren fight
Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier weighed-in on the encounter after the stare down.
Cormier said after watching both Askren's and Paul's demeanour, he was sure the former UFC fighter would come out victorious.
I just saw Jake Paul reaction to @Benaskren palming his face and I am now convinced that Ben wins. He looked like he wanted to throw a punch and then settled on slapping his ass? Ben smashes this dude. I’m all the way in!!!!
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 27, 2021
Askren retired from MMA in 2019. He was a former Bellator and One welterweight champion.
Paul's last fight was against NBA star Nate Robinson, which ended in the YouTuber knocking him out.
The pair will face off in the boxing ring on April 17.
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