After years of waiting, the stars are finally aligning for a YouTube boxing fight for the ages. By early 2023, Jake Paul and KSI may be settling their rivalry in the ring.
Both influencers have been engaging in a back and forth on Twitter for some time now. Recently, things took a turn when Paul’s fight against Hasim Rahman Jr. inside Madison Square Garden was canceled. This past weekend, it was announced that KSI’s opponent for August 27, Alex Wassabi, had to back out due to a concussion. Now, KSI will main event the DAZN-produced PPV inside the O2 Arena against rapper Swarmz.
Are Jake Paul and KSI fighting one another?
Following the Wassabi news, the two talked about a fight against one another. Paul stated that he would fight KSI before the Swarmz announcement. He was also told by KSI's team that the only condition for a fight was he would compete for free. Paul was willing to fight at 180 pounds. KSI stated he already had a replacement opponent and that a fight between the two would be under his terms.
MORE: Breaking down the controversy around Jake Paul's canceled fight
On Monday (8/8) morning, KSI presented Paul with a challenge: “I’m gonna send you a contract. We fight next year. Wembley Stadium. Winner of the fight takes all. 100% of the purse will be on the line. Put your money where your mouth is and let’s finally end this. Will you accept?”
Paul responded by agreeing to fight in the U.K., but only if KSI admits that he is better at boxing. KSI quickly responded, agreeing with Paul. He then laid down the challenge. The fight appears to be taking place in 2023.
As of today in boxing you’re better.
— ksi (@KSI) August 8, 2022
Let’s run it bitch. https://t.co/EeMmKs1TAJ
Jake Paul vs. KSI rivalry
KSI began his amateur boxing career in 2018, beating fellow YouTuber Joe Weller via TKO. Following the bout, he called out Jake and his brother Logan for a fight. Jake was meant to face KSI. He ended up posting tweets mocking KSI following the callout. The two also created YouTube videos that reached millions of people each. Jake’s video talking about KSI challenging him has over 5 million views, while KSI's video calling out Paul has over 2 million views.
Logan would be the one to fight KSI instead.
MORE: Jake Paul and KSI re-ignite Twitter beef
Leading up to the 2018 amateur bout, KSI and his brother Deji mocked the Paul brothers and defaced their cars. Inside Manchester Arena, Jake beat Deji while KSI and Logan fought to a majority decision draw. Not long after, Matchroom Boxing picked up on the KSI-Logan Paul rivalry, and the two main evented a boxing card inside Staples Center. KSI would beat Paul via split decision.
Both have gone their separate ways since. Paul has a pro record of 5-0, beating the likes of AnEsonGib, Nate Robinson, Ben Askren, and Tyron Woodley. KSI did confront Paul following the AnEsonGib fight. "The Problem Child" was supposed to face his toughest opponent to date in Rahman. When that fight got nixed, KSI mocked Paul, stating low ticket sales was one of the reasons why it was called off.
Rahman was a replacement opponent, as Paul was supposed to face Tommy Fury inside MSG. For the second time in just a few months, that fight was called off. KSI was supposed to fight Austin McBroom at one point and was ready to face Alex Wassabi before he backed out.
Paul will be keeping an extra eye on the fight between KSI and Swarmz.
When is KSI vs. Swarmz?
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 27
- Main card: 2 p.m. ET
- Main event: 5:15 p.m. ET (approximate)
KSI vs. Swarmz will take place Aug. 27. The main card should begin around 2 p.m. ET (7 p.m. BST). KSI and Swarmz should make their way to the ring around 5:15 p.m. ET (10:15 p.m. BST), depending on how long the undercard fights last.
MORE: Join DAZN to watch KSI vs. Swarmz
How to watch KSI vs. Swarmz
The fight between KSI and Swarmz will be broadcast via DAZN pay-per-view in the U.S. and the U.K.
KSI vs. Swarmz PPV price: How much does the card cost?
- DAZN monthly subscription: $19.99 in the U.S., $20 in Canada, £7.99 in the U.K.
- DAZN annual subscription: $99.99 in the U.S., $150 in Canada
Customers in the U.K. can sign up for DAZN for £7.99 per month.