Boxing is back in a big way on Saturday night from Atlanta. YouTube star turned pro boxer Jake Paul makes his return to the ring this weekend when he takes on former UFC fighter and multiple promotion welterweight champ Ben Askren atop a four-fight PPV card promoted by Triller Fight Club. The two will clash inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will also play host to numerous musical acts throughout the night, including Snoop Dogg and Justin Bieber.
Despite all the bluster and trolling, Paul has actually shown decent skill in his first two appearances. Even though it was against extremely low levels of competition and not pro fighters, Paul scored a pair of knockouts that went viral. First he stopped AnEsonGib, a fellow YouTube star, before brutalizing former NBA player Nate Robinson last November. Askren, meanwhile, has never boxed professionally and very rarely used his standup striking during his MMA career.
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The rest of the card fills out in an interesting way. The co-main event is a legitimate pro showdown at 140 pounds when former champion Regis Prograis takes on veteran Ivan Redkach. Prograis is looking to get back into title contention with another win after dropping his belt two fights ago. Another former UFC fighter is in a featured bout when Frank Mir takes on Steve Cunningham in a heavyweight contest. Mir, who held the UFC heavyweight title two times in his career, has never boxed professionally as he faces a former cruiserweight champion in Cunningham who has not fought since 2017.
It's expected to be a busy week in Atlanta with plenty going on leading up to fight night. CBS Sports will have you covered with all of it, so keep this page saved throughout the week for updates, news and analysis.
Paul vs. Askren card, odds
Jake Paul -165 vs. Ben Askren +140, cruiserweights
Regis Prograis -4500 vs. Ivan Redkach +1600, junior welterweights
Steve Cunningham -1600 vs. Frank Mir +900, heavyweights
Joe Fournier vs. Reykon, light heavyweights
Paul vs. Askren viewing information
Date: April 17 | Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium -- Atlanta
Start time: 9 p.m. ET
TV: Traditional PPV | Live stream: FITE TV
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