Social media stars KSI and Jake Paul will return to the ring in the summer against different opponents after contract talks hit a new snag this week.
The YouTube rivals have been going back-and-forth in public for the past four years, since the Brit defeated Paul's older brother, Logan, in November 2019. While contract talks began to heat up behind the scenes over the past six months, Mirror Fighting understands that negotiations have stalled.
It is expected that the American will pursue his options with "professional fighters", including a contractually-obligated rematch with Tommy Fury this summer. Meanwhile, on May 1, KSI is believed to be making his return at Wembley Arena, for a showdown with Joe Fournier, although that bout has not been confirmed.
Reports circulated on social media this weekend that "material terms were agreed" for a deal between Paul and KSI, but the former opted not to sign up for the bout. Most Valuable Promotions has confirmed to Mirror Fighting that terms were far from being fully agreed and that Paul is focused on other opportunities for the summertime.
Key sticking points, according to both sides, seem to be weight and purse, with Paul agreeing to a 50/50 split for a bout at 185lb or a 'winner-take-all' stipulation if he were to make a career-low weight of 180lb or less with a 10lb rehydration clause. Furthermore, Paul's promotion was willing to turn over all profits to KSI's side, including purses, were the American to lose the bout.
"MVP sent the original offer to Misfits for Jake Paul vs KSI on November 28, 2022 for the fight to occur in December of 2023 per Misfits desire to have KSI get at least two more fights in for experience," a spokesperson for Paul's promotion said. "We also agreed to do it in the UK as Jake didn’t want any hurdles.
"[This is] even though Jake is clearly the A-Side by any box office metric, internet search trends or KSI's own words where he consistently says Jake is his ultimate goal. We offered 10 rounds, an 18x18 ring, 185lb, sanctioned by BBBofC, 50/50 deal. Both fighters as A-Side, splitting A-side designations."
However, a spokesperson for Misfits noted in a statement to Mirror Fighting that such a deal wouldn't be theirs to make, given that Misfits Boxing, the Brit's promotional outfit, is partially owned by Wasserman Media Group. "The fighters agreed on an all or nothing basis (i.e. winner takes all)," they said. "That has not changed from KSI’s side.
"MVP claiming to bet the promotion share because it is predominantly owned by Jake Paul [in fact, MVP is owned half by Paul and half by his business partner Nakisa Bidarian] - this is a publicity stunt knowing full well that Misfits Boxing is a brand owned not just by KSI but also by Wasserman Media Group (as well as in a 5 year partnership with DAZN).
"MVP knows full well that Misfits Boxing is not able to obligate third parties to do that deal due to their ownership structure and not at all to do with any lack of belief in KSI. But to be clear, KSI has agreed to bet HIS entire purse. All or nothing."
Talks began in November of last year, according to both sides, after the Brit had won his pair of August comeback bouts against rapper Swarmz and journeyman Luis Pineda. There appear to have been negotiations over a December 2023 fight date, although representatives for KSI have claimed that the bout could have been pushed forward to late August or early September.
Since negotiations officially began between the two sides, Paul has fought the 8-0 Tommy Fury, losing a split decision in February. Meanwhile, KSI knocked out YouTuber Faze Temperrr in January and is now set for a May return likely against 9-0 Fournier before evaluating his next options.
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When the Brit faced Jake's older brother Logan in 2019, he bulked up to over 193lb for what was his professional debut. However, he is more naturally a light-heavyweight and has been gradually moving down in weight during his comeback, first tipping the scales at 180lb for his 'two fights in one night' event last August and then 175lb for his bout with Temperrr in January.
"As we all know, Jake lost the fight with Tommy Fury in a mostly one-sided match," a Misfits spokesperson explained. "With considerable controversy over the 'winner take all' nature of the fight purse. We did not want to wait for Jake to lose a potential rematch to Tommy Fury again (which is likely) before setting up the fight with KSI as it would devalue the bout and push Jake deep into the B-side.
"We proposed that we (collectively) move the fight to August or September rather than December. In that regard, Wembley Stadium was formally held for the first weekend of September - a no-brainer strong venue for this bout. However, we offered a total of three possible dates - August 26, September 2 and December 16/17.
"Jake had eight round bouts in a 20x20 ring vs Tyron Woodley. Further, Jake weighed in at 183.75lb and 186.5lb in his last two bouts. Jake wanted the fight weight to be 185lb and KSI wanted it to be 175lbs. The parties agreed 180lbs as a fair compromise."
A spokesperson for Most Valuable Promotions has also confirmed that Paul will return to the ring this summer against a professional fighter, although no opponent has been named at this time.
