It’s the fight that no one wanted to see, but everyone wants to watch: YouTube star Jake Paul will face former UFC and Bellator fighter Ben Askren in a professional boxing match.
After scoring knockouts of fellow YouTube star AnEsonGib and former NBA player Nate Robinson, Paul has drawn former Bellator welterweight champion and ex-UFC fighter Ben Askren on April 17.
Considering the fact that not only has Askren never boxed in his life, but is known more for his wrestling than for his striking, many experts think the matchup is a mockery of the sport, even though it has garnered way more attention that those fights that are viewed as more legitimate matchups.
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Here is the full lineup of fights
Cruiserweight: Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren
Light welterweight: Regis Prograis vs. Ivan Redkach
Heavyweight: Steve Cunningham vs. Frank Mir
Light heavyweight: Joe Fournier vs. Reykon
Super middleweight: Junior Younan vs. Jeyson Minda
Middleweight: Lorenzo Simpson vs. Francisco Torres
Welterweight: Quinton Randall vs. William Jackson
The pay-per-view show will also feature musical performances by Taylor Hill,Justin Bieber, The Black Keys, Doja Cat, Saweetie, Diplo, Major Lazer and Mt. Westmore (Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube, Too $hort and E-40).
Here’s where you can watch the Jake Paul-Ben Askren fight in the Valley.
The Porch
Looking for a place to relax while you watch the Jake Paul-Ben Askren fight? Join your friends at The Porch this Saturday for the Jake Paul vs. Ben Askren fight at 6 p.m. Seating is first come first served. Here are the three Valley locations of The Porch:
• 4017 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix
• 1128 E. Baseline Rd., Tempe
• 312 N. Gilbert Rd., Gilbert
Dave & Buster’s Tempe Marketplace
Dave & Buster’s Tempe Marketplace is the best places to be for fight night. With over 36 tvs and a 40-foot WOW Wall, there will be a seemingly unlimited number of screens available to catch all the action. They have a robust beer/wine/cocktail selection and even recently added some great new dishes to their menu including French Dip, Flatbread Shrimp Scampi, Korean Style Sticky Ribs, Truffle Fries and Buratta Bruschetta. Book a viewing party or watch it with friends on one of the many big screen TVs. For more information, visit https://www.daveandbusters.com/locations/tempe.
Herb N Smoke
Herb N Smoke, located in Downtown Mesa, is showing the fight. They will also have their $5 house margaritas specials. Located at 123 W. Main St. in Downtown Mesa, Herb ‘N’ Smoke recently opened its first brick and mortar location. The family owned restaurant serves up an incredible array of BBQ, Brisket and pulled pork offerings. They even offer vegetarian options such as Nopales (prickly pear cactus) and tofu. Originally started as a food truck, the locally owned spot also caters events. Find out more by visiting https://www.herbnsmokeaz.com/.
• 8787 E. Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale
• 2050 E Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe
• 2135 E. Camelback Rd., Phoenix
• 6922 N. 95th Ave., Glendale