Jake Paul insists there is just one final hurdle standing in the way of a big fight with KSI – but warned he is on his final “take it or leave it” offer.
The YouTuber-turned-boxer pair have competed against each other for a number of years, sparking demand for a blockbuster fight which is thought to be worth £100million.
4
4
But talks have been delayed and the latest hurdle is the weight difference between them.
Paul’s last three fights have all taken place at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14 stone 4lbs, while he prepares to move up to heavyweight to face Mike Tyson.
Meanwhile, KSI suffered his first defeat in his last fight when he lost to Tommy Fury via controversial decision at a catchweight of 183 pounds.
Paul is adamant that the fight can only take place in the cruiserweight range of 176 pounds to 200 pounds.
“I think it’s just a matter of weight now,” he said at a Professional Fighters League event.
“Because I weigh a lot more and even KSI says he walks around weighing 205 pounds — and that’s what his coach said in an interview — so you know it’s true.
“I’m walking around weighing about 215 pounds. So I think it’s just a weight thing. I think it’s more like 195-200 pounds. And that’s really the last thing that gets in the way.
“Well, that’s what we told him. We said it’s a cruiserweight fight until we get up to 175.
4
Casino Specials – Best Casino Welcome Offers
“But there’s no way I can go there. So we just said cruiserweight, professional cruiserweight bout, take it or leave it.”
KSI, 31, has not returned since losing to Fury, 25, in October.
He was scheduled to take part in a two-on-one bout against Anthony Taylor and Slim Albahr in Dublin on 31 August.
But KSI was forced to pull out of the competition after suffering a serious hand injury.
Meanwhile, the 27-year-old Paul will face the 58-year-old Tyson on November 15 in Texas, a controversial bout due to the three-decade age difference.
But KSI is unsure the fight will go ahead after Iron Mike withdrew from the original July 20 date due to a health issue.
He told us: “Obviously Jake’s going to keep putting on weight because he’s just looking forward to the fight with Mike Tyson – which I still don’t think is going to happen.
“I think they’ll try to make a tough test, and then eventually Mike will realize he can’t really fight, and then I don’t know what they’re going to do.
Read more at The Scottish Sun
“But for me, for Jake’s fight, I’m just going to wait. I don’t really need to chase him, eventually he’ll have no choice but to come to me.
“He’s just not trying to get involved. He’s in a bit of an awkward position, so I think it’ll probably be easier for him if he just leaves it alone.”
4
