YouTube boxer KSI has mocked One Direction singer Liam Payne after his recent indication that he would like a fight.
Payne was appearing on Logan Paul's Impaulsive podcast this week when he admitted that he wants to compete in a boxing match against another celebrity. KSI's name was one thrown into the mix, as well as Justin Bieber and Trippie Redd, while Tik Tok star Bryce Hall has since emerged as a potential opponent.
And despite expressing concern about their weight difference, Payne said that he would be happy to square off with his fellow chart-topper if the chance arose. They are both known for their musical prowess, having hit No.1 in the charts with their music after Payne shot to fame first as a member of boyband One Direction and later as a solo artist.
However, KSI has three fights worth of experience, having stopped Joe Weller before drawing with and eventually beating Paul in their series of fights. He even got a professional licence for his meeting with Paul in California, and is expected to return to the ring on August 27.
In a reaction video on his YouTube channel, KSI hysterically laughed when watching a clip of Payne suggesting the fight, before declaring that it would be a major mismatch. "You don't want to fight me," he said. "You know what? You should fight Bryce. If you can knock out Bryce Hall, then alright, maybe you can attempt to talk to me. He wouldn't have a chance."
The Wolverhampton native is an avid boxing fan, and trains in jiu-jitsu when he isn't on tour. He and Paul discussed a potential boxing match on the podcast, with Payne saying that he appreciates the gladiatorial nature of the sport.
"I love boxing as a sport and I think it's fantastic," Payne said. "I would just enjoy the challenge and the road up to it would be great. Yeah I would fight KSI he would have to come down a few weight slots. But yeah I'd fight him. I like him too much though.
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"I will fight whoever you want. But I don't think Justin Bieber would do it. For the same reason I wouldn't fight Trippie Redd, I don't think he is on my level. But if he did want to do it I would."
Hall has been pushing for the fight since the podcast dropped this week, and appears to have the support of Payne's ex-fiancee Maya Henry should it come to fruition. KSI's manager Mams Taylor, who is helping to stage his boxing comeback, also indicated interest in making Payne vs Hall happen, telling Instagram news site The Bread Batch "let's run it".
The Tik Tok star was stopped in his sole boxing fight against Austin McBroom last summer, and has been angling for a fight since. He promised to return this year, and should Payne become available it would likely be a massive pay-per-view draw.
