Jake Paul just put on a clinic, outboxing Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28, 2025, at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. But after his unanimous decision win, he turned the spotlight to a serious issue. In the ring, Paul spoke about his former opponent, Ben Askren, who needs a costly double-lung transplant.
“Say a prayer for Ben Askren and for his family,” he said. “We all need to support him. Everyone should go donate to him.”
At the press conference, Paul blasted insurance companies, stating:
“Insurance is a f—— scam, and it’s so sad. Right when you need these companies they’re not there, and it’s f—– up. His insurance denied him to get the double-lung transplant which is also one of the most expensive surgeries, which is why they denied it.” He added, “It just sucks. It sucks that no one’s doing anything. I was obviously super busy this week so we’re figuring out the donation now, but none of these people like Dana (White) stepping in, I feel like I have to do something.”
Jake Paul says it “sucks no one is doing anything” to help Ben Askren receive a double lung transplant:
“None of these people, like Dana, are stepping in. So I feel like I have to do something.” pic.twitter.com/bWp9hgpBXV
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) June 29, 2025
Paul’s Fight Night and Askren’s Health Crisis
Paul, now 12-1 with 7 knockouts, controlled Chavez Jr. over 10 rounds, using sharp jabs and footwork to win 99-91, 97-93, and 98-92 on the judges’ scorecards. He called it his “toughest fight yet,”, though Chavez Jr. only pushed back late. The DAZN-streamed event included Holly Holm’s boxing return and a U.S.-Mexico anthem moment. Post-fight, Paul focused on Askren’s health battle, caused by severe pneumonia and a staph infection requiring a $300,000-$400,000 transplant not covered by insurance.
Amy Askren shared on June 24, 2025, that Ben is on the transplant list in a Wisconsin hospital, stable but unable to speak, though he mouthed “coffee” when awake. Paul and Logan Paul pledged donations, and UFC president Dana White posted a fundraiser link on Instagram to his 10.5 million followers on June 25, 2025, despite Paul’s claim of inaction, which was inaccurate given White’s post.
Paul faced Askren in a boxing match on April 17, 2021, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, knocking him out in 1:59 of the first round. The fight, Paul’s third pro bout, earned him $690,000 and Askren $500,000, selling 500,000 pay-per-view buys. Their buildup was tense, with Paul mocking Askren’s family online. Askren, 36 at the time, was post-hip surgery and known for wrestling, not boxing. Paul’s support now shows he’s moved past their feud.
Askren, 40, retired from MMA in 2019 with a 19-2 record, winning Bellator and ONE welterweight titles. His 2019 UFC run included a submission over Robbie Lawler, a five-second knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal—the fastest in UFC history—and a submission defeat to Demian Maia, per UFC.com. A two-time NCAA wrestling champ and 2008 Olympian, Askren now coaches wrestling in Hartland, Wisconsin.
Paul’s win earned him a boxing ranking, and he called out Conor McGregor among others. His push for Askren’s fundraiser, needing $300,000-$400,000, shows his influence. Askren, in a Wisconsin facility, awaits a transplant donor.
