KSI has revealed details about his meeting with Turki Alalshikh, a prominent figure in Saudi boxing, and their shared negative views on Jake Paul.
Turki Alalshikh’s significant financial resources have transformed boxing, enabling collaborations even between long-standing rivals.
Despite this, Alalshikh has expressed his disapproval of influencer boxing, particularly the kind promoted by KSI and Jake Paul.
Alalshikh was especially critical of Jake Paul’s controversial victory over Mike Tyson, 58, last November.
Consequently, fans were surprised when Alalshikh posted a video of his meeting with KSI, hinting at a potential collaboration for a fight in America.
KSI mentioned that he managed to shift Alalshikh’s perspective after Jake Paul’s actions left a negative impression.
He commented, “I believe Jake Paul has damaged the sport. His fight with an elderly person like Mike Tyson was unacceptable.
Mike Tyson should not have been in the ring, and it was a disgrace to boxing. Turki is clearly passionate about boxing, and disrespecting a legend like Mike Tyson, even for financial gain, is something he strongly dislikes.
It was a shameful event, and Turki was annoyed by it, especially as Jake was also aiming to fight Canelo, turning boxing into a spectacle.”
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS
“I feel Jake Paul is trying to make boxing a circus, which is why Turki initially viewed internet boxing and YouTube boxing negatively and wanted to avoid it.
However, after speaking with me, he understood that there is a serious aspect to it, that some participants, like myself, take it seriously.”
“Despite my various commitments, I am serious about boxing and always compete against credible opponents when I enter the ring.
That’s my approach. I believe we connected well with Turki, and there are definitely exciting possibilities for the future.”
KSI might face criticism for these remarks given his past opponents.
He had even agreed to fight 44-year-old Wayne Bridge, but the former Chelsea player withdrew after his feud with John Terry was brought up.
Dillon Danis, 31, with a 2-0 MMA record and a boxing defeat to Logan Paul, replaced Bridge to fight KSI on March 29 in Manchester.
KSI, whose last fight was against Tommy Fury, 10-0, claimed a lack of available opponents forced him to find a last-minute replacement for his return.
Meanwhile, Jake Paul, 28, has an 11-1 boxing record, his sole loss being against Fury, 25, in 2023.
Paul faced disappointment when Canelo Alvarez, 34, rejected a fight offer to sign with Alalshikh instead.
KSI acknowledges that even Alalshikh could not guarantee a fight against Jake Paul but insists he doesn’t need Alalshikh for that fight to happen.
He stated, “I know Turki and Jake have disagreements. It might be challenging, but who knows.
For me, there are more thrilling opportunities and bigger fights than Jake Paul.”
