Inside the Dramatic Negotiations Between KSI and Jake Paul: ‘Verbal Agreement’ Collapses, YouTube Match at Risk of Never Happening.
For the past six years, KSI and Jake Paul have been eyeing a boxing match on YouTube, but obstacles and inconsistencies have put the bout at risk of never taking place.
Mams Taylor, the event’s previous promoter, has been deeply involved in the negotiations but it is yet to be seen if these two heavyweights touch gloves. According to Taylor, disagreements over finances, match conditions and contract terms caused the initial ‘verbal agreement’ to collapse.
Jake Paul and KSI look more distant than ever as they continue to settle their rivalry. While Paul prepares to fight Mike Tyson on November 15, KSI is in talks to face Slim Albaher and Anthony Taylor in a 2-on-1 bout at Misfits Boxing this August.
The anticipated fight between KSI and Jake Paul won’t take place in 2024, it’s been six years since ‘The Nightmare’ KSI first called out Paul following his win over Joe Weller in 2018. “I made it public tweet that I’m willing to put my ego with Nakisa aside and facilitate this deal,” Taylor told talkSPORT.com.
Initially, Paul agreed to fight at 175 pounds, then increased to 180 pounds. However, everything changed after Jake lost to Tommy Fury. “Then he decided to fight Nate Diaz instead of fighting KSI. I’m still a little confused about it,” Taylor said.
Paul has turned his attention to his quest to become world champion, defeating Nate Diaz, Andre August and Ryan Bourland. Paul’s current weight bracket of over 200 pounds is a major hurdle for any confrontation with KSI, who cannot reach a comfortable weight for fighting above 185 pounds.
Taylor insists that he will not let Paul’s side gain the advantage in the ring. “We’re not going to bow to their every demand, and he’s not the fighter that needs to fight Jake Paul,” he said. “We won’t cut any weight and agree to terms that give Jake an advantage.”
Although there have been new verbal offers from both sides, formal negotiations have yet to take place. Paul asked KSI to step in and replace ‘Iron Mike’ at 200 pounds, a tough challenge on short notice. In response, KSI launched a new challenge at 185 pounds, a “win or lose” fight in the United States.
KSI lost to Tommy Fury last year in his last outing at 182 pounds, and there are currently no new negotiations taking place. The chances of famous stars finally joining the battle seem to be fading.
Misfits boxing expert Taylor claims Paul’s camp is now responsible for this and it may be irreversible. “I really believe they don’t want a fight with KSI. Because I think KSI will expose Jake,” he concluded.
“I can tell you this, KSI is Jake Paul’s weakness and there’s no way Jake Paul can beat him. I really don’t believe that fight will happen, it won’t happen according to their wishes.”
Today, new verbal offers have been made from both sides as they try to rekindle interest. But with the difference in weight and disagreements over match conditions, the future of this match is still very uncertain.
