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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ben Davies

KSI believes "reality set in" for rival Jake Paul in Tommy Fury defeat

KSI has claimed Jake Paul received a dose of reality when he lost to Tommy Fury in their grudge fight.

YouTube star Paul stepped into the ring with bitter rival Fury in Saudi Arabia, and lost a split-decision despite dropping his opponent in the final round. It was a significant result in the world of influencer boxing, given it was the first meeting between a YouTube star and a professional fighter by which Paul came up short.

Now KSI will take on former WBA international belt-holder Fournier as he looks to make a statement and do exactly what Paul couldn't. KSI mocked Paul in the aftermath of the showdown, but has since admitted he will face similar pressures next month in London.

“When it comes to Jake Paul I don’t like the guy. I know there is a lot of pressure on me now, there is going to be a lot of eyes," KSI said during the press conference for his clash with Fournier. “I want to be the person to make sure it doesn’t. People forget that I am a YouTuber that fell in love with boxing.

"Reality set in with Jake Paul and when he got pieced up by Tommy Fury and then people realised he isn’t that good. People are going to be thinking the same with me when I get in there with Joe but I have to do my job."

It will be an interesting period now for the three rivals with it originally expected that Paul would activate a clause in the contract to immediately search for revenge against Fury. However KSI has hinted he could step beyond Paul for now and challenge Fury himself if he is to progress beyond Fournier.

Jake Paul lost to Tommy Fury in February (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Who do you think KSI should fight next - Jake Paul or Tommy Fury? Let us know in the comments section below

And the ex-Love Island star's father John has confirmed that talks have been held over a potential showdown in a significant blow to Paul who could be left out in the cold. He said: "Well, no, we aren't sure I have been in talks with the Sauerland brothers about a possible match-up with their man KSI. I had a meeting with them the other day and it went well. Let’s see what happens.

"I am still waiting to hear from them, but they did text me the other day saying they are really busy and they are on it. If it can be done, we will do it. Whoever else wants to box Tommy, ring the number and get in touch. I don’t deal with the Jake Paul rematch, I am on a rest period and I have just left that to my lawyer. But I’m sure if it can be done, we can do it."

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