YouTube star KSI has launched a scathing attack on Tommy Fury, with negotiations for a long-awaited boxing clash between the pair seemingly hitting a stumbling block.
From Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua to the unification bout between the 'Gypsy King' and Oleksandr Usyk, boxing fanatics have become all too used to mouthwatering bouts falling through, before being subjected to both sides pointing fingers at the other. But amid the undeniable rise of YouTubers in the sport, it seems that it's not just the seasoned professionals promising much yet delivering little.
KSI and Tommy Fury have long been in talks for a bout at 180lbs. The clash has been on the table ever since the former Love Island star finally settled his bitter verbal feud with Jake Paul by beating him via a split decision in February.
But now it seems Fury, 24, has until 6pm on Monday night to agree terms or the fight is OFF. After initially saying publicly he was happy to face the rapper at a 180lbs, negotiations have stalled with Tyson's younger brother now demanding it takes place at 185lbs.
And speaking on his own YouTube channel, KSI was downbeat about the prospect of his new rival stepping into the squared circle with him: "I don't think this fight is happening anymore," he conceded. "Tommy Fury is simply being difficult and making this four month negotiation an absolute chore.
"We agreed on all the terms, we agreed on paying you exactly what you asked for. We agreed on rounds and to fight at 180 with no rehydration clause. We agreed to fight in your home town, Manchester, you know, we agreed all of that."
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The 30-year-old then accused Fury of choosing "to move the goalposts yet again," and was cynical about his status as a full-time pro boxer: "You're meant to be the fighter," he continued. "It don't matter to me. You're the one that's been boxing your whole life. You're the one with Fury as your surname. So why you trying to pull out?"
Fury was reportedly set to take home around £1.7 million for the fight, and KSI said he was a "delusional piece of s***," if he felt he would get the same payment elsewhere, even in Saudi Arabia. And he insisted the fight was off if terms weren't sorted out by 6pm Monday.
Ominously, Fury has history in terms of calling off fights with YouTube boxers. His victory over Paul came at the third time of asking having withdrawn twice beforehand, firstly citing a bacterial rib injury before dubiously claiming he had been barred from travelling to America without being told why by airport officials.
