Jun 28, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Jake Paul arrives to the ring to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

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Jake Paul Puts Rivalry Aside, Calls For Support As Ben Askren Fights For His Life

Jake Paul sends emotional message, seeks aid for former opponent Ben Askren in urgent need of lung transplant!

Jun 28, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Jake Paul arrives to the ring to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Boxing is more than just throwing punches. Sometimes the most powerful moves happen outside the ring. Jake Paul and Ben Askren once stood across from each other as bitter rivals, trading verbal jabs and building up one of the most talked-about crossover fights in recent memory. Their 2021 boxing match ended with Paul knocking out the former UFC welterweight in the first round, cementing his early boxing credentials while leaving Askren eating humble pie.

The fight generated millions in revenue and plenty of social media drama. However, their story has taken a completely different turn that puts their past rivalry into perspective. Paul recently stepped up in a big way for his former opponent, showing that beneath all the trash talk and entertainment value, genuine human compassion still exists in this often brutal sport.

Jake Paul Uses His Platform To Support Ben Askren

After dominating Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in his latest boxing victory, Paul used his moment in the spotlight to bring attention to Askren’s desperate medical situation. The 40-year-old former fighter needs a double lung transplant that his insurance company refuses to cover. This has left him and his family facing a medical bill between $300,000 and $400,000. Paul made it the centerpiece of his victory speech.

“Say a prayer for Ben Askren and for his family. We all need to support him. Everyone should go donate to him.”

🚨| Jake Paul vows to help cover Ben Askren’s medical costs for life saving double lung transplant surgery after his insurance denied him coverage. ❤️

“Insurance is a f*cking scam, and it’s so sad. Right when you need these companies, they’re not there. It’s f*cked up, and his… pic.twitter.com/NYY1a6FQsI
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) June 30, 2025

The YouTuber-turned-boxer then promised to contribute his own money alongside his brother Logan. He turned what could have been a typical post-fight celebration into a fundraising campaign. Paul’s criticism of the healthcare system struck a nerve with many fans who have dealt with similar insurance nightmares. The idea that a decorated athlete like Askren; a two-time NCAA champion and Olympic competitor who dedicated his life to wrestling, could be left hanging by his insurance company highlights bigger problems with American healthcare. Paul wasn’t wrong when he pointed out how these companies disappear exactly when people need them most.

“Insurance is a f****ng scam, and it’s so sad. Right when you need these companies they’re not there, and it’s f***ed up.”

The wrestling and MMA communities have rallied behind Askren since news of his condition broke. Even Dana White, despite Paul’s claims that UFC leadership wasn’t doing enough, shared donation links with his millions of social media followers. The fundraising page describes Askren as someone who spent his life pouring into others, both as a competitor and coach. Now it’s time for the combat sports world to return that energy!

(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)

Ben Askren

Jake Paul

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!