Jake Paul Says He's Showing Early Signs Of CTE After Taking Up Boxing

Jake Paul says he's already showing early signs of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) after starting his boxing career.

The YouTuber turned boxer spoke during a media appearance ahead of his bout against former UFC star Ben Askren, in which he said he'd undergone brain scans but that he 'loves the sport' and doesn't regret becoming a fighter.

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Paul said: "It's a dangerous sport. That's why, when people question my dedication to it, it's like, I'm showing up every single day.

"I'm putting my mental health on the line, my brain is on the line. Like you said, I've gone and gotten brain scans and [I] have early signs of CTE.

"But, I love this sport and wouldn't trade it for anything else. I'm a fighter and people will see that whether it's after Saturday night or whether it's a year from now they will see that I'm a fighter."

CTE is a brain degeneration that is thought to be caused by repeated trauma to the head.

According to the NHS, typical symptoms of the condition include short-term memory loss, changes in mood and slurred speech.

Since Paul's claims, experts in the industry have suggested that it could make things more difficult next time he wants to get a fight licenced.

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This weekend's bout will be Paul's third professional fight - having previously celebrated wins against fellow YouTuber AnEsonGib and former NBA player Nate Robinson.

Askren made a recent appearance on Logan Paul's IMPAULSIVE podcast where he discussed the upcoming fight and revealed that he didn't think Paul was going to be a very good fighter.

Speaking to his opponent's brother, Askren said: "If Jake's really, really good, I'm probably not gonna beat him... but, I think he's probably not really that good. That's what I think, for real."

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He added: "There's a chance he's really good. If he's really, really good, he's going to beat me. But I don't think he's really good, that's what it comes down to.

"He beat up a YouTuber and a basketball player... so what about that makes him good?"

Well, I guess we'll find out on Saturday, won't we?

Topics: SPORT, Boxing, Jake Paul, YouTube

Claire Reid

Claire is a journalist at LADbible who, after dossing around for a few years, went to Liverpool John Moores University. She graduated with a degree in Journalism and a whole load of debt. When not writing words in exchange for money she is usually at home watching serial killer documentaries surrounded by cats. You can contact Claire at [email protected]

@ClaireReid19