KSI says he is “very close” to sealing a fight against Tommy Fury – but fears it could ultimately KO his grudge match with Jake Paul.
The bitter YouTube rivals looked set to finally end their years of feuding with a blockbuster at the end of the year.
Darren FletcherKSI says he is ‘very close’ to sealing a fight with Tommy Fury[/caption]
APTommy Fury celebrating defeating Jake Paul[/caption]
But that was until Paul suffered defeat for the first time, losing a split-decision to Fury in February in Saudi Arabia.
The American snubbed a rematch or talks with KSI to instead return on August 5 in Texas against 38-year-old ex-UFC star Nate Diaz.
So KSI will refuse to wait around for Paul and instead try to one-up his arch enemy by finishing what he started.
KSI told SunSport: “He doesn’t want it. I want Tommy Fury.
“I want Tommy Fury, simple as that. I’m not going to waste my time with Jake Paul.
“He wants to fight Nate Diaz, an MMA fighter who isn’t known for his boxing; black belt in jujitsu, blah, blah, blah.
“Maybe in the UFC ring it would be a bit more entertaining, in the MMA ring yeah, but in the boxing ring everyone just knows Jake is going to win that.
“I’m not just going to waste my time, I’m going to go straight for Tommy and do what Jake Paul couldn’t.”
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KSI, 29, returns on May 13 at Wembley Arena against millionaire nightclub tycoon-turned 9-0 boxer Joe Fournier, 40.
But in the background, his promoter Kalle Sauerland revealed ongoing negotiations with Fury, 23, and his dad John.
And KSI insisted the talks to face the brother of unbeaten heavyweight champion Tyson is no publicity stunt.
He said: “It’s so funny, because a lot of people think it’s all cap.
“A lot of people think I’m just chatting out my a***. Does it look like I’m chatting out my a***?
“We’re working on it, man. Just a few thing but I think we’re very close and I’m pretty sure, fingers crossed by next week, we’ll see.”
I’m not just going to waste my time, I’m going to go straight for Tommy and do what Jake Paul couldn’t.
KSI
KSI’s plan would deny Paul, 26, the chance to avenge his loss to Fury in a rematch many expected would follow.
But the YouTuber, rapper and influencer boxer also believes beating the 9-0 British prospect could scare his nemesis off for good.
KSI said: “I’m trying to think, do people still want to see it after I beat Tommy Fury?
“Because then at that point everyone will be in my favour, everyone will be like, ‘Jake has no chance.’ And maybe Jake would also think that.
“Maybe he’ll just avoid me and maybe he’ll just be happy with fighting MMA fighters.
“Obviously, I want to destroy Jake, but it takes two to tango, man. If he doesn’t want to fight me, what can I do?
“I can’t drag him into the ring, like what the f***. Look, it’s up to him. I’m down and yeah, the cards are in his hands.”
GETTYJake Paul was beaten by Tommy Fury on points[/caption]
Darren FletcherKSI training in his gym ahead of his next fight[/caption]