Jake Paul is praising former opponent Ben Askren as “one of the toughest fighters of all time” after a life-threatening battle with pneumonia.
In the wake of Askren’s latest health update Wednesday, when he revealed he “only died four 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 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 ridiculous,” he said in an Instagram video. “So, I only died four 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 other side of it, gaining quite a bit 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 guys. I appreciate you guys. This has been tough, not only on me, but my whole family and my close community. So, I appreciate everything. Hope you guys appreciate the update. And like I said, sometime down the road, maybe Amy and I can detail everything a little more.”
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.