Jake Paul helped save Ben Askren’s life

Former UFC fighter Ben Askren is on the mend after contracting a bacterial infection which eventually led to a life-threatening case of pneumonia and a resultant double lung transplant. And the 40-year-old’s recovery has reportedly been aided significantly by YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, a former opponent of Askren’s in the ring.

Askren won 19 of his 22 fights in MMA between February 2009 and October 2019, the month before he announced his retirement. Two years later, though, he tried his hand at boxing, losing to Paul by technical knockout in the first round in what proved to be his only ever bout.

Jake Paul praised for Ben Askren gesture

While they may have briefly been opponents, it was revealed by The Rugby League Report that ‘The Problem Child’ stepped in to help Askren in his time of need, donating $500,000 to pay for the aforementioned double lung transplant, effectively saving his life. Askren’s health insurance failed to cover the cost of the procedure.

The gesture earned a huge amount of praise from Amanda Serrano, the unified featherweight world champion in women’s boxing, who is signed to Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions.

“‘I’m telling you, he’s different!” reads Serrano’s post on X. “Not once did he go public with this. @jakepaul isn’t what most think. To know him is to love him.”

Askren’s emotional health update

In an emotional Instagram video taken from his hospital bed, Askren shared the shocking details of what he had gone through.

“I actually just read through my wife’s journal because I don’t remember anything from May 28 to July 2. No recollection. No idea what happened. I just read through the journal and it’s like a movie. It’s ridiculous. So, I only died four times. The ticker stopped for about 20 seconds.

“I’m gaining quite a bit of strength, learning to use everything again.

“The thing that was most impactful to me was all the love I felt from everybody. It was almost like I got to have my own funeral. The outpouring of love from the wrestling community was just amazing. It felt so good. I’m more motivated than ever to give back and do what I can, help out the best I can.”

Jake Paul’s net worth

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Paul currently has a net worth of approximately $100 million, “making a minimum of $20 million and as much as $50 million every year (before taxes) through a mix of boxing events, merchandise, YouTube video views, and endorsements”.

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