The world of influencer boxing is no stranger to explosive headlines, but Jake Paul’s latest offer to fight long-time rival KSI on Christmas Eve has reignited perhaps the sport’s most anticipated grudge match. The proposed bout includes strict stipulations on weight, ring size, drug testing, and a carefully negotiated pay-per-view revenue split.
As fans on both sides wait with bated breath, here’s an in-depth look at the latest developments in this high-stakes rivalry, what’s on the table, and what might stand in the way of it actually happening.
The Offer: A Christmas Eve Boxing Showdown
Terms Proposed by Jake Paul and MVP
Jake Paul’s promotional outfit, Most Valuable Promotions (MVP)—co-founded with Nakisa Bidarian—has officially extended an offer to KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) for a December 24 fight. The terms are as follows:
- Date: December 24, 2025 (Christmas Eve)
- Rounds: 10 rounds
- Weight: 192.5 pounds catchweight
- Ring Size: 18×18 feet
- Drug Testing: Full VADA testing protocol
- Promotion: Co-promoted by MVP and Wasserman
PPV Revenue Split:
- UK: 60/40 in favour of KSI
- USA: 60/40 in favour of Jake Paul
- Other Territories: 50/50
Nakisa Bidarian, speaking on behalf of MVP, confirmed the offer had been with KSI and Wasserman Boxing for over two weeks. He emphasised that the offer was designed to be fair while still giving both fighters a significant promotional presence and financial incentive.
The Rationale Behind the Christmas Eve Date
Some fans questioned why such a major event would be scheduled on Christmas Eve. Bidarian answered this head-on:
“What are you watching Christmas Eve? Nothing. Jake and KSI will have the entire world’s attention.”
The idea is to capture a global audience during a time typically devoid of major sporting events, betting that the holiday lull could work to the fight’s advantage. MVP believes the unusual date could make it a historic pay-per-view success.
The Response from Team KSI
Mams Taylor Fires Back
KSI’s manager and Misfits Boxing co-founder Mams Taylor quickly responded, claiming Paul’s offer was one-sided and not a genuine attempt to make the fight happen.
According to Taylor:
They also sent an offer, which Paul’s team allegedly disregarded.
Their version included:
- 8 rounds at 190 pounds
- 20×20 feet ring
- Full drug testing
- Coin toss to determine walk-out order
- Joint co-promotion with mutually agreed costs
Taylor went further, accusing Paul’s team of purposefully omitting Misfits Boxing in the contract, attempting to use ego-driven tactics to gain control of the event.
“Your contract had MVP as lead promoter in charge of everything and you put Wasserman Boxing USA as side promoter. (FYI Wasserman Boxing USA does not exist).”
Taylor’s remarks highlight a larger issue: control over the event and mutual respect for the promotional entities involved.
Core Disagreements: Weight, Promotion, and Ego
Weight Class Clash
One of the primary obstacles remains the weight agreement. Jake Paul has been campaigning at cruiserweight (200 pounds), while KSI most recently fought at 183 pounds against Tommy Fury.
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Paul’s Offer: 192.5lb
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KSI’s Preference: 190lb
Though the difference may appear small on paper, in the world of professional boxing—especially among fighters not naturally acclimated to higher weights—it can be significant. KSI, whose natural frame is smaller than Paul’s, is understandably hesitant to meet higher on the scale.
Promotional Power Struggles
While both sides agree on co-promotion in theory, the devil is in the details. Paul’s camp suggested MVP take the lead, naming Wasserman as a co-promoter. KSI’s camp insists on a fully even split, with all costs and decisions mutually agreed upon, and with Misfits Boxing officially included.
This back-and-forth highlights a bigger struggle for influence—not just in the ring, but behind the scenes. Both Jake Paul and KSI are brands unto themselves, with loyal fanbases, merchandise empires, and multi-million-pound content machines.
The Fighters’ Recent Form and Future Plans
KSI: Recovery, Rumours, and Uncertainty
KSI has been relatively inactive since his controversial loss to Tommy Fury in October 2023. That bout, which many believe he narrowly lost or even won, left him injured and uncertain.
- Missed Return: Pulled out of a planned August 2024 comeback due to a hand injury.
- Cancelled Fight: Illness forced him to withdraw from a March bout with MMA star Dillon Danis.
- Upcoming Surgery: KSI is expected to undergo hand surgery, further delaying any return to action.
All of this casts doubt on whether KSI will be physically ready by December 2025, let alone interested in a 10-round war against a heavier opponent like Paul.
Jake Paul: Active, Ambitious, and on the Rise
Jake Paul, in contrast, is riding a wave of activity and career momentum.
- Upcoming Bout: Scheduled to fight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. on June 28 at cruiserweight.
- Heavyweight Experiment: Defeated Mike Tyson in a controversial bout last November.
- Title Ambitions: Plans to contest a world title by the end of 2026.
Paul’s team has made it clear: the KSI fight is not essential to Jake’s trajectory. He is positioning himself as a serious contender in professional boxing, not just an influencer attraction.
“Jake Paul wants to fight KSI. He does not need to fight KSI,” said Bidarian.
This statement subtly shifts the leverage. While fans have long viewed Paul vs. KSI as a natural climax to their YouTube boxing rivalry, Paul’s upward path in traditional boxing gives him new bargaining power.
Fan Reactions and Community Division
The boxing community and influencer scene remain divided. Some fans are thrilled at the possibility of a Christmas Eve megafight, calling it a “gift to fans worldwide.” Others are more sceptical, accusing both sides of clout chasing rather than genuine negotiation.
Online forums and social media channels are abuzz with debate:
- Team Paul supporters argue that Jake has outgrown the need to fight KSI.
- Team KSI loyalists insist that Paul is ducking a fair offer and afraid of losing his legacy.
- Neutral observers want to see a middle ground reached, believing the fight is good for the sport and fan engagement.
Will the Fight Happen?
At this point, a few key factors will determine whether Jake Paul vs. KSI finally takes place on Christmas Eve:
Medical Clearance for KSI
With surgery on the horizon, KSI’s recovery timeline will be crucial. Even if negotiations advance, a return to fight readiness is not guaranteed.
Agreement on Promotional Terms
Unless MVP, Misfits, and Wasserman find a genuine compromise, the fight is likely to remain stuck in limbo. Both sides must check their egos and focus on giving fans the event they’ve been demanding for years.
Weight and Round Dispute
Reducing the number of rounds and adjusting weight slightly—perhaps meeting in the middle—could be a path forward. Otherwise, either fighter risks compromising too much of their own competitive edge.
Conclusion: A Christmas Classic or Another Missed Opportunity?
Jake Paul’s offer to fight KSI on Christmas Eve is undoubtedly one of the boldest moves in influencer boxing to date. With the spectacle of the holiday, the rivalry’s rich history, and the promise of an electric build-up, the bout has all the makings of a global event.
However, as with many blockbuster fights, the devil lies in the details. Contractual disputes, weight class disagreements, and promotional egos may once again rob fans of a long-awaited showdown.
As of now, the ball is in KSI’s court. With time ticking and the festive date looming, the question remains:
Will Jake Paul and KSI finally put an end to their war of words and give fans the Christmas cracker fight they deserve?
Stay tuned—because this could be the final round of negotiations that settles one of the most intense rivalries in modern combat sports.
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