ONE Welterweight Champion Ben Askren believes he has an obligation to mentor youth in the sport of wrestling.
“I got here because of the way the people showed me, whether it was me reading about Muhammad Ali in a book, or because of other people in my life,” Askren told ONE Championship.
“So now, if you get into one of these positions, you should feel as though it is your responsibility — and it is a very valuable responsibility — to pass those characteristics and lessons on to the next generation.”
Askren has opened his own wrestling school in Wisconsin called the Askren Wrestling Academy.
“Our wrestlers have been having a lot of success, both statewide and nationwide,” Askren said. “It is exciting to see some of those guys have breakthroughs because we have watched them work very hard to get where they are, so that is always very nice.”
Askren is scheduled to defend his title against undefeated prospect Agilan Thani on May 26 in Singapore at ONE Championship: Dynasty of Heroes.
