Jake Paul is looking to add a boxing match with KSI to his Christmas list, having formally sent his bitter rival an offer to fight on December 24. Despite recent attempts to negotiate a deal behind the scenes, the two prominent YouTube figures and long-standing enemies have yet to settle their score in the ring.
Nakisa Bidarian, co-founder of Paul`s promotion company Most Valuable Promoters (MVP), disclosed that an offer to hold the fight on Christmas Eve was extended to KSI and Wasserman, the promoters behind the Misfits Boxing events. According to Bidarian, the contract has been with them for 15 days.
The proposed terms included a bout scheduled for ten rounds at a catchweight of 192.5 pounds, to take place in an 18×18 foot ring with VADA drug testing. The promotion would be a joint effort between MVP and Wasserman. The offer also detailed a 50/50 split of the pay-per-view revenue, with the exception of the UK market, where the split would favor KSI 60/40, and the US market, where it would favor Paul 60/40.
When questioned by a fan about the rationale for staging the fight on Christmas Eve, Bidarian responded, “What are you watching Christmas Eve? Nothing. Jake and KSI will have the entire world’s attention.”
Mams Taylor, who manages KSI and co-founded Misfits Boxing, countered, stating that they had also previously sent an offer to Paul. Taylor described their proposal as “fair” and a “real attempt to make the fight actually happen,” drawing a contrast to Paul`s offer, which he labeled as “one sided.”
Taylor revealed their counter-offer suggested a fight in the United States, with a coin toss determining the order of ring walks. Their terms proposed full drug testing, a fight at 190 pounds over eight rounds in a 20×20 foot ring, and a genuinely co-promoted event where both parties would mutually approve all costs.
Taylor criticized Paul`s proposed contract, alleging it positioned MVP as the lead promoter in sole charge of everything, while naming “Wasserman boxing USA” (which Taylor claimed does not exist) as a side promoter. He accused Paul`s side of intentionally omitting Misfits as an “ego based mind game tactic.” Taylor urged the parties involved to set aside egos and deliver the fight that the fans desire, emphasizing a shared duty to their clients and respect owed to the fanbase who elevated them.
KSI, aged 31, has not fought since his controversial decision loss to Tommy Fury in October 2023. His planned return last August was canceled due to a hand injury, and a subsequent bout against MMA fighter Dillon Danis in March was withdrawn due to illness. KSI is currently scheduled to undergo hand surgery, leaving his boxing career`s immediate future uncertain.
Meanwhile, Paul, aged 28, is set to return to the ring on June 28 for a cruiserweight clash against former middleweight world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., 39. This fight follows Paul`s recent victory over Mike Tyson in a heavyweight exhibition bout.
Paul has indicated his intention to campaign at weights 200 pounds or higher since December 2023, with the stated goal of competing for a world championship by the end of 2026. This difference in preferred fighting weight has been identified as the primary obstacle preventing the highly anticipated grudge match against KSI, who last fought Fury at a lighter weight of 183 pounds.
Bidarian concluded by stating that MVP`s proposed terms were submitted to Wasserman on April 4, reflecting Jake Paul`s genuine desire to fight KSI. He added that while Paul wants the fight, he “does not need” it, reaffirming Paul`s focus on the 200+ pound division and his aspirations for a world title by 2026.
