In the wild world of boxing, where trash talk sells pay-per-views and reputation often overshadows reality, few figures stir up the kind of controversy that Jake Paul does. Once mocked as just another influencer-turned-fighter, the Ohio native has gradually carved out a space for himself in the combat sports world—gloves on, cameras rolling, and critics watching like hawks. But behind the spectacle, as it turns out, lies a story few anticipated—one that didn’t involve viral callouts or a knockout reel, but rather a quiet act of generosity.

It all started with a surprising report from The Rugby League Report, that took to X.com to reveal something fans hadn’t heard from Jake Paul himself. According to their post: “Whether you like or hate Jake Paul, he has stepped up in a massive way this week. When his former opponent Ben Askren needed a double lung transplant, and his health insurance company bailed out on it, he stepped up without a media beat-up or any of that and fully covered the $500,000 bill without a fuss.” No dramatic video announcement, no exclusive interview—just a private gesture that somehow made its way into the light.

What followed was an emotional domino effect online. Amanda Serrano, the seven-division world champion and longtime MVP affiliate, took to X and declared: “I’m telling you He’s Different! Not once did he go public with this. @jakepaul isn’t what most think. To know him is to love him 🙏❤️”

Paul and Askren’s story goes back to April 17, 2021, when the YouTuber-turned-boxer faced the former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight kingpin inside the squared circle. Askren—renowned for his Olympic wrestling pedigree and his unorthodox striking—was making his pro boxing debut. But it was Paul who stole the show. At the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, the social media star needed just 1 minute and 59 seconds of Round 1 to flatten the MMA veteran with a devastating overhand right. The referee waved it off, handing Paul a TKO victory and moving him to 3–0 as a pro boxer. The bout generated roughly 500,000 pay-per-view buys, cementing Paul as more than just a sideshow attraction.

Fast-forward to July 2025, and the two were no longer rivals—but bonded by something far deeper. 

Jake Paul’s quiet heroism surfaces as Amy Askren opens up on Ben’s recovery journey

Following his June 28 win over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Jake Paul used his PPV spotlight to extend more than just punches. “I just want to take a moment to say a prayer for Ben Askren and I am praying for his family and we all need to support him… I talked to a couple of my friends, me and Logan, we’re going to be donating some money. So everyone should donate to that.” Paul said during the broadcast. It was an unexpected, genuine moment amid the usual chaos of fight night.

Days later, the gravity of Askren’s condition became painfully clear. The former UFC and Bellator champ had undergone a double lung transplant after being hit by a severe bout of pneumonia. 

Amy Askren’s heartfelt Instagram message, shared via Fight Hound, painted an emotional picture of resilience and grace. “We are so thankful to share that Ben has received a double lung transplant… Please keep Ben in your prayers that his body welcomes the new lungs as if they were his own,” she wrote. The note didn’t name donors or benefactors—but fans quickly connected the dots, especially given Paul’s earlier words and recent reports pointing to his quiet financial involvement.

The emotional weight of Amy’s message resonated with many: a mother of three, holding her family together while her husband Ben Askren fought for his life.