One thing Jake Paul doesn't lack is confidence.
The social media star turned professional boxer revealed on Tuesday he'll be stepping back through the ropes against former Bellator welterweight champion and UFC star Ben Askren on April 17 at a site to be determined.
Paul started making the media rounds on Tuesday to promote the fight. While speaking to ESPN, Paul was asked how quickly he'll beat Askren. He made it clear it would be quicker than a blink of an eye.
"I started boxing two years ago, and I'm still going to knock his ass out faster than [Jorge] Masvidal," Askren said. "These MMA guys think because they throw punches, they know how to box. The world complained because I knocked out a basketball player and not a real fighter. So now I'm giving the people what they want by taking on a 'real fighter.' After Ben Askren is added to my knockout meme collection, what can anybody say?"
Back at UFC 239, Masvidal knocked out Askren with a flying knee in just five seconds. Askren competed one more time in MMA, a submission loss to Demian Maia before retiring from MMA.
Paul (2-0, 2 KOs) last fought at the end of November, knocking out former NBA player Nate Robinson in a devastating fashion. Paul is complimentary of Askren's skills inside the cage but feels boxing is an entirely different animal.
"Askren has 20-something MMA fights has been in there with Robbie Lawler, he's a tough guy," Paul said. "I think anyone would have been knocked out by Masvidal's knee. That knee that landed would have knocked anyone out. So I think Danis would have been the easiest one by far. But these MMA guys, just because they throw punches, they think they can box. This is why I'm confident in my ability to destroy this guys. They have no head movement, they're slow, they aren't going to the gym every day and boxing."