Internet sensation Jake Paul proved he has some boxing chops as well, scoring a first round TKO over former Bellator and OneFC Championship champion Ben Askren tonight at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The thrilling finish completed a standout night of boxing and entertainment that saw several outstanding matchups as well as world-class musical acts performing for a live Pay Per View audience worldwide.
Paul landed a straight right hand that felled Askren midway through the first round. Though Askren got back on his feet, the referee called the fight at 1:59. “The PRBLM Child” runs his record to 3-0, all victories by knockout.
Other winners in the featured undercard bouts included Regis Prograis of New Orleans (26-1, 21 KOs), who won a technical decision against Ivan Redkach (Shostka, Ukraine); Steve Cunningham of Philadelphia, who toppled MMA champion Frank Mir of Las Vegas by unanimous decision; and Joe Fournier of London (now 9-0 with nine KOs), who stopped music sensation “Reykon” (Andres Felipe Robledo Lodono) with a third-round TKO.
Earlier in the evening, two other undercard bouts went the distance, with unanimous decisions going to Brooklyn’s Junior Younan (15-0-1, 10 KOs) over Jeyson Minda of Quito, Ecuador; and Quinton Randall, Houston (8-0, 2 KOs) against William Jackson of Cincinnati.
The evening included performances by Justin Bieber, The Black Keys, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Diplo, Major Lazer, and the exclusive world premiere of the hip hop supergroup Mt. Westmore (Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too $hort and E-40) performing for their first time ever together. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Bert Marcus will lead and direct the creative storytelling for the Triller Fight Club event.
In addition to being a co-owner, Snoop also provides strategic counsel to Triller Fight Club, helping to select fighters and musical acts for the show-stopping events. An entertainment expert who has successfully maneuvered through a range of projects in a variety of different fields, Snoop secured his spot as a fan favorite during Triller’s first sporting event, Tyson vs. Jones.
We knew Askren was not a striker but unfortunately didn’t have basics like don’t push jab and make sure to cover after punch. Credit to Paul for knowing basics; counter with a right over slow left. #TrillerFightClub#TrillerFight