Will KSI vs Jake Paul fight? Ultimate YouTube boxing showdown latest amid Mike Tyson bout
Jake Paul and KSI have been bitter rivals for a long time but are still yet to settle their differences in the boxing ring. The YouTube stars have been on a collision course for over half a decade as the two poster boys for the explosion of influencer boxing. Jake Paul and KSI have been beefing for yearsDAZN Joe Weller and Theo Baker’s matchup in a gym in August 2017 was the first of the internet boxing to make waves on these shores. But it wasn’t until KSI fought YouTube rival Weller months later in February 2018 for a white-collar bout that the sport began to grow. The 31-year-old stopped Weller in the third round of their contest and then called out American YouTube brothers Jake and Logan Paul. It was older brother Logan who accepted the challenge, with Jake instead beating KSI’s younger brother Deji on the same card. KSI – who drew to Logan in their first meeting before emerging victorious in the professional ranks for the rematch – has since gone into business with the now-WWE star. However, the rivalry with Jake has only festered following years of social media barbs, and everyone wants the pair to finally get it on. Will KSI vs Jake Paul ever happen? As of yet, there has been no official fight date pencilled in and one can’t be held in 2024 at the very least. Paul will next fight Mike Tyson on Friday evening, while KSI has been rumoured to be chasing a rematch against Tommy Fury. It has been six years since KSI – real name Olajide “JJ” Olatunji – called out ‘The Problem Child’, but weight has been the main sticking point. The Brit operates at a 185lbs catchweight while Paul, having already been a cruiserweight (200lbs), has now moved up to 227.2lb for his heavyweight clash with Tyson. Paul bulked up to heavyweight to take on TysonGetty Paul looked to KSI to act as his replacement for Iron Mike, when the boxing legend postponed their initial July fight date amid health concerns. Unfortunately for fans, KSI had already lined up a two versus one bout for the following month, which he later was forced to pull out from through injury. Paul instead KO’d Mike Perry to move to 11-1 before continuing his ascent to the heavyweight division to take on Tyson tonight. If Paul loses, he may consider going back to influencer-based boxing to take on KSI, but weight will again be a key issue between them. KSI hasn’t fought since losing to Tyson Fury’s half-brother in 2023 due to injury and failed negotiations and has no confirmed fight booked. KSI boasts a 5-1-1 record with his only loss coming against FuryGetty KSI vs Jake Paul: What has been said? KSI’s former promoter Mams Taylor admitted during an exclusive interview with talkSPORT that the fight may never happen. “I publicly tweeted that I am willing to put my ego with [Paul’s promoter] Nakisa [Bidarian] aside and facilitate this deal,” Taylor told talkSPORT.com in June. “Jake wanted it he agreed to 175lbs initially, then we agreed a verbal deal at 180lbs. Everything was agreed with details to come, and then Jake lost to Tommy. “He then decided to fight Nate Diaz instead and not fight KSI. I’m still a bit confused about it. “I text Nakisa and said ‘Dude ceasefire, and said let’s make this fight happen for the people for part of their legacy’. “I said let’s do it at 185lbs, which is what Jake proposed in January. 183lbs is tough for KSI, but it just isn’t happening.” He continued: “We will not be succumbing to all of their demands, and he isn’t a fighter who needs to fight Jake Paul. “So we won’t give up weight and agree to stipulations that give Jake an advantage. “We won’t be trodden on, neither fighter needs each other and I think Jake is continuing to milk his facade of wanting to become a world champion.”
Jake Paul and KSI have been bitter rivals for a long time but are still yet to settle their differences in the boxing ring.
The YouTube stars have been on a collision course for over half a decade as the two poster boys for the explosion of influencer boxing.
Joe Weller and Theo Baker’s matchup in a gym in August 2017 was the first of the internet boxing to make waves on these shores.
But it wasn’t until KSI fought YouTube rival Weller months later in February 2018 for a white-collar bout that the sport began to grow.
The 31-year-old stopped Weller in the third round of their contest and then called out American YouTube brothers Jake and Logan Paul.
It was older brother Logan who accepted the challenge, with Jake instead beating KSI’s younger brother Deji on the same card.
KSI – who drew to Logan in their first meeting before emerging victorious in the professional ranks for the rematch – has since gone into business with the now-WWE star.
However, the rivalry with Jake has only festered following years of social media barbs, and everyone wants the pair to finally get it on.
Will KSI vs Jake Paul ever happen?
As of yet, there has been no official fight date pencilled in and one can’t be held in 2024 at the very least.
Paul will next fight Mike Tyson on Friday evening, while KSI has been rumoured to be chasing a rematch against Tommy Fury.
It has been six years since KSI – real name Olajide “JJ” Olatunji – called out ‘The Problem Child’, but weight has been the main sticking point.
The Brit operates at a 185lbs catchweight while Paul, having already been a cruiserweight (200lbs), has now moved up to 227.2lb for his heavyweight clash with Tyson.
Paul looked to KSI to act as his replacement for Iron Mike, when the boxing legend postponed their initial July fight date amid health concerns.
Unfortunately for fans, KSI had already lined up a two versus one bout for the following month, which he later was forced to pull out from through injury.
Paul instead KO’d Mike Perry to move to 11-1 before continuing his ascent to the heavyweight division to take on Tyson tonight.
If Paul loses, he may consider going back to influencer-based boxing to take on KSI, but weight will again be a key issue between them.
KSI hasn’t fought since losing to Tyson Fury’s half-brother in 2023 due to injury and failed negotiations and has no confirmed fight booked.
KSI vs Jake Paul: What has been said?
KSI’s former promoter Mams Taylor admitted during an exclusive interview with talkSPORT that the fight may never happen.
“I publicly tweeted that I am willing to put my ego with [Paul’s promoter] Nakisa [Bidarian] aside and facilitate this deal,” Taylor told talkSPORT.com in June.
“Jake wanted it he agreed to 175lbs initially, then we agreed a verbal deal at 180lbs. Everything was agreed with details to come, and then Jake lost to Tommy.
“He then decided to fight Nate Diaz instead and not fight KSI. I’m still a bit confused about it.
“I text Nakisa and said ‘Dude ceasefire, and said let’s make this fight happen for the people for part of their legacy’.
“I said let’s do it at 185lbs, which is what Jake proposed in January. 183lbs is tough for KSI, but it just isn’t happening.”
He continued: “We will not be succumbing to all of their demands, and he isn’t a fighter who needs to fight Jake Paul.
“So we won’t give up weight and agree to stipulations that give Jake an advantage.
“We won’t be trodden on, neither fighter needs each other and I think Jake is continuing to milk his facade of wanting to become a world champion.”
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