Home/Boxing

via Imago

via Imago

To go from Disney Channel to world champion in less than six years—that’s what Jake Paul wants. He gave fans a glimpse of his road ahead when his right uppercut caught Andre August lacking, flatlining him on December 15 at the Caribe Royale Resort, Orlando. While the American boxer continues to make strides in professional boxing, his grudge fight with KSI seems to have taken a back seat. That’s the fight the fans want the most. But will they have it?

‘The Problem Child’ wrapped up the action early this Saturday in a small 3000-seater arena and silenced his doubters. A brutal knockout also served as a slap to KSI, who had tried to sabotage his fierce rival’s fight by simultaneously steaming a sparring session with IShowSpeed. It was merely another chapter in their heated, years-long rivalry. Verbal bombs and scathing public callouts have been thrown between the two, but they never came close to taking their tensions to the ring. However, if they were to meet in the square circle now, the time is ripe, and momentum is set.

Jake Paul vs. KSI: The pressing now

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Jake Paul and KSI are at the top of the influencer boxing food chain. Their back-and-forth on social media has piqued fans’ interest, and they want a conclusion to this brawl inside the ring. The fight is sure to rake in millions in PPV buys and will be billed as the biggest influencing boxing fight to date.

via Getty

The anticipation of the fight is a promoter’s dream and might overshadow their previous PPV-selling records. Paul had sold over 1 million PPVs when he clashed with Tommy Fury, and he followed it by turning in 500,000 PPVs for the Nate Diaz fight. Meanwhile, KSI’s last PPV event reportedly sold 1.3 million PPVs.

In addition, when Paul was testing his opponent’s strength in the ring, 1.4 million people turned up to stream KSI’s sparring session. The matchup screams a PPV blockbuster waiting to materialize. However, if they fail to ink down a deal soon, they might never meet in the boxing ring.

Jake Paul vs. KSI: the diverging paths not destined to meet

Ever since Jake Paul dropped a fight against Tommy Fury, a fight with KSI was touted to be next. The fight made even more sense when KSI lost a controversial decision to the same opponent. But the dynamics are shifting rapidly, and the Cleveland native is drifting far from influencer boxing, money, and especially KSI.

via Getty

The 26-year-old has lost interest in the fight and is focused on realizing his championship dream. When KSI pleaded ignorance of Paul’s thunderous KO of André August, Paul was dismissive of him. “I don’t know… I don’t care. It’s just two different things,” Paul expressed during the post-fight press conference.

Read More: Devin Haney Puts Jake Paul Above Gervonta Davis, Ryan Garcia, Shakur Stevenson, and Others Including Himself but Had One Condition to Do So

The 8-1 record holder went on to suggest that both had different priorities and, thus, were pursuing different paths. He is adamant and clear. He is chasing legacy, and on the other hand, KSI is running behind viewership. “He’s chasing views as a 30-year-old man, and I’m chasing legacy and belts. All kudos to him. I hope he makes his wildest dreams come true,” Paul said sarcastically.

Has Jake Paul outgrown the influencer boxer tag?

The American internet sensation has unequivocally expressed his intent to become a champion by 2026. And a path to gold doesn’t go through influencer boxing. Therefore, you shouldn’t be surprised if Paul doesn’t fight with his influencer kin for years.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jake Paul (@jakepaul)

KSI remains the last attractive fight for him in influencer boxing, and a win against August has opened the doors for more lucrative deals with traditional boxers. It’s up to both to give fans the fight they want. The time is running out for the promoters and matchmakers if they want to bank on a mouthwatering Jake Paul vs. KSI event.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

What do you make of this probable fight between Jake Paul and KSI? Do you believe it’s a good fight to make now? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch This Story: Most Bizarre Things Jake Paul Has Done on Camera: Stealing Floyd Mayweather’s Hat, Sneaking Into the White House, and More