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SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – SEPTEMBER 03: Ben Askren fields questions from the media during a UFC Singapore on-sale press conference at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on September 03, 2019 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)

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SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – SEPTEMBER 03: Ben Askren fields questions from the media during a UFC Singapore on-sale press conference at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on September 03, 2019 in Singapore. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC)
Former multi-organization welterweight world champion Ben Askren is preparing to make his boxing debut against Jake Paul on April 17th. The former UFC star has got an unexpected supporter in the form of UFC President Dana White behind him. White has been helping ‘Funky’ in his preparation.
The UFC President has previously said that he will bet a ton of money on Askren to win the fight despite his former employee’s zero experience in boxing and not so decorated striking background. ‘Funky Ben revealed recently the details of a phone conversation between him and White. It seems like the duo has gotten over the early tension between them.
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“I don’t hold grudges. So the fact that he held me from the UFC back in 2013 when I was trying to make the transition. Whatever. Listen, that happened. It does. It’s over with. I appreciate his help and helping me with Freddie. Freddie has been great,” said Askren, talking about how White has set him up with famous trainer Freddie Roach.

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SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – OCTOBER 26: Ben Askren prepares to enter the Octagon prior to his welterweight bout against Demian Maia of Brazil during the UFC Fight Night event at Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Singapore. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
‘Funky’ further added the details of a call between him and the UFC President. He said, “I was getting in the shower one day, and Dana called me and I’m like, Oh, sh*t. I kind of already did this deal. Like, is he gonna tell me I’m out or something? And he’s like, oh, kick his a**. Blah, blah. I’m like, oh, okay, sweet. This is cool. Let’s do it.”
The fact that the pair have put their differences aside and gotten along is a good thing to happen for both.
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Can Ben Askren add a boxing win to his resume?
Askren has had an incredible record in MMA. However, a win inside the squared ring might be his greatest achievement to date. He has the backing of the combat sports fans as he fights YouTube star, Paul. ‘The Problem Child‘ has gone after Askren with all guns blazing.

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SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE – OCTOBER 26: Ben Askren stands in his corner prior to his welterweight bout against Demian Maia of Brazil during the UFC Fight Night event at Singapore Indoor Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Singapore. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
However, Askren’s experience in fighting and his calm approach to the game might prove to be too much for Paul. And the backing of Dana White might be an extra motivation for ‘Funky‘.
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Can Askren beat ‘The Problem Child’? What did you make of his conversation with White? Let us know.
Also Read: Dana White Gives a Tour of His Ultra Luxurious Home on Fight Island
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