Boxing Lines: Jake Paul Vs Ben Askren Early Analysis

On April 17, YouTube star and undefeated boxer Jake Paul takes on former UFC welterweight Ben Askren in what could end up the fifth highest-grossing pay-per-view boxing event of all time. Even though promoters haven’t chosen a venue, interest in the match is massive.

The fight is so big that we’re not waiting. Check out what we know about the fight, including current Boxing odds, as well as what gives each boxer the edge. Let’s get right to it so you can bet against their Logan Paul odds.

Boxing Betting Analysis for Jake Paul Vs Ben Askren on April 17

Jake Paul Vs Ben Askren

When: April 17, 2021
Where: TBD
Boxing Odds: Jake Paul -155 / Ben Askren +105

What gives Jake Paul the edge against Ben Askren?

Although Paul’s only victories have happened against Ali Eson Gib and Nate Robinson, two amateur boxers, he’s dominated. Paul destroyed Nate Robinson, a former NBA player and highly skilled athlete, in his last fight.

Jake is also huge. He’s 6’ 1” and weighs 189 pounds. He should have a reach advantage in this fight. In addition, JP is taking his boxing career seriously.

He’s training with guys like Jorge Masvidal to understand Ben Askren’s weaknesses. He’s putting ample time into his training sessions and working with professional trainers and boxers.

Finally, JP has power. Power is the great equalizer in boxing.

What gives Ben Askren the edge over Jake Paul?

While Paul has the height, weight, and reach advantage, Askren has the combat sports experience advantage. Ben Askren is a former Olympic wrester and MMA World Champion.

Askren retired with a 19-2 mixed-martial-arts record. He fought and beat some of the best in his weight class, welterweight.

Speaking of weight-class, Askren won’t give up as much weight as many believe. MMA fighters always shed weight before fights. When Askren clocked in at 170 in his UFC fights, he often gained at least 12 to 15 pounds before the actual bout.

On April 17, Ben Askren should weigh around 185 pounds. If Jake enters the ring at 189, the difference is only 4 pounds.

Current odds assessment for Paul versus Askren

No doubt, Paul could knock out Ben Askren. Even though Askren won’t be at as big of a weight disadvantage as many believe, Jake does have the longer reach and is taller. Those are physical advantages that Askren can’t possibly overcome unless he grows taller and his arms grow longer from now until April 17.

Yeah, that won’t happen. So Jake does have a shot of getting the knockout win.

But at the odds, JP is an underlay. While Paul has more boxing experience than Ben Askren, the MMA fighters has trained with Cornelius Brundage. The former IBF Junior Middleweight Champion, Brundage has shown Askren how to throw combinations.

Askren’s boxing requires work. Even Ben knows that, which is why in a recent interview with Lowkick MMA, Askren talks about how he’s learning to box and how that’s different from mixed-martial-arts.

Ben Askren also said he’s spending a week with Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquaio’s former trainer, to get an idea of how to place his feet, put together combinations, and other boxing techniques. If Askren gets up to speed on the differences between boxing and MMA, Paul will find it difficult to beat him.

It’s too early to pick a winner. For now, though, realize that both the underdog and the favorite are putting in hard work in preparation for this bout.

I have read enough, I need to place my bet now. What to do?