Jake Paul is praising former opponent Ben Askren as “one of the toughest fighters of all time” after a life-threatening battle with pneumonia.
After Askren shared his latest health update on Wednesday, revealing that he “only died four times” before undergoing a double lung transplant, Paul expressed his admiration for Askren’s resilience on social media platform X.
“Shout out to Ben Askren,” Paul posted on social media. “Just proved that he’s one of the toughest 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 unbelievable,” he remarked in an Instagram video. “I only died four times, with my heart stopping for about 20 seconds each time. That’s not exactly ideal. I don’t think many people are aware of that. But I’ve received a double lung transplant and I’m now recovering on the other side, gaining a good amount of strength.”
Askren dropped about 50 pounds over 45 days, weighing in at 147.
Amy, who has been married to Askren since 2010, revealed in late June that he received a new set of lungs and underwent a successful procedure.
“I’m more motivated than ever to keep giving back and do what I can and help out the best I can help out,” Askren said in the clip.
“I love you all. I really appreciate your support. This has been challenging, not just for me, but for my entire family and close-knit community. So, I am thankful for everything. I hope you find this update valuable. Like I mentioned, maybe someday in the future, Amy and I can share more details about our experience.”
Askren holds an impressive 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 in 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 in the boxing match.
Paul ultimately defeated Askren inside of two minutes in a tough showing for the former Olympic wrestler.
