Inside KSI vs Jake Paul fight negotiations as promoter doubts fight will happen (2024)

KSI and Jake Paul have been eyeing a YouTube boxing fight for six years, but it may never happen.

That is according to the former's promoter Mams Taylor, who has been at the heart of negotiations, which have failed to yet materialise in seeing the influencer pair touch gloves.

Jake Paul will next fight Mike Tyson on 15 November, while KSI is in talks to take on Slim Albaher and Anthony Taylor in a 2 vs 1 encounter on Misfits Boxing this August.

A fight will not take place in 2024 and it has been six years since 'The Nightmare' first called out Paul after his win over Joe Weller in 2018.

"I publicly tweeted that I am willing to put my ego with Nakisa aside and facilitate this deal," Taylor told talkSPORT.com.

"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.

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"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."

The pair have gone back and forth on social media for several years over a fight, at one point in 2022 reaching an agreement to fight at Wembley Stadium for the following year.

But it once again passed by in 2023, with Paul instead focusing on his quest to become world champion beating Nate Diaz, Andre August and Ryan Bourland.

A framework appeared to be in place, but Paul has since piled on weight and feels comfortable in excess of 200lbs.

Their notable size difference now appears a key obstacle to any showdown, with the Briton unable to make a comfortable fighting weight above 185lbs.

But Taylor has insisted he will not let Paul's side gain any advantages in the ring.

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."

In the present day, new verbal offers have been made from both of camps as they attempt to revive interest.

Paul first offered KSI the opportunity to step in and replace 'Iron Mike' at 200lbs, a tough challenge on short notice.

His rival then took to social media, and issued a new challenge at 185lbs, for a 'take it or leave it' showdown in the US.

No new talks have materialised, and chances of the popular stars finally doing battle appears to be fading.

Misfits Boxing guru Taylor has claimed Paul's side is now responsible for the hold-up, which could be irreversible.

He concluded: "I genuinely with all my heart believe they don't want the KSI fight. Because I think KSI exposes Jake.

"I can tell you this, KSI would be Jake Paul's kryptonite and there is no way Jake Paul beats him.

"I really don't believe that fight happens, it will not be all on their terms.

"As a gentlemen I have come forwards and been completely ghosted. I said we'd compromise and come to America, do the 185lbs which isn't JJ's optimum weight.

"Beyond that it is on you guys, and it is radio silence."

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Many huge big boxing fights have fell fate to negotiations stalling, including Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury.

Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao did eventually take place, but later in their careers, and YouTube boxing fans will just hope to see KSI and Paul settle their differences inside the squared circle.