KSI has criticized Jake Paul’s decision to box former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, calling it “sad” and suggesting that Paul’s legacy will be that he can “knock out old people.”
KSI ain’t exactly thrilled about Jake Paul’s latest antics. Earlier this month, the news broke. Jake Paul is stepping into the ring with former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson. The showdown is set for July 20 at AT&T stadium in Arlington, Texas. Netflix is airing it live.
The combat sports world didn’t take too kindly to the announcement. A 27-year-old Paul versus a 57-year-old Tyson? It didn’t sit well. And KSI, Paul’s longtime nemesis, was right there with the critics.
“Man, it’s just sad,” KSI voiced on the IMPAULSIVE podcast. The podcast is hosted by Logan Paul, Jake’s older bro and KSI’s business partner. “Super sad. Jake, why’d you take it? It’s a lose-lose. He knocks out Mike Tyson, and what? He’s beaten an OAP? Old-Age-Person… Tyson’s 57. In his prime, this would’ve been a spectacle. Now, it’s just pitiful.”
Tyson’s a bit of a throwback for Paul. He’s been slammed for boxing past-their-prime MMA fighters. His last two fights were against journeyman boxers, smaller events than his previous bouts. But Tyson? That’s big.
“Millions will be watching,” KSI pointed out. “Everyone will know him as the guy who knocked out an old Mike Tyson. But what if Tyson knocks him out?”
The odds are stacked against that, though. Tyson hasn’t boxed since an exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. His last professional fight was in 2005. He’s a heavy underdog to Paul. And that’s KSI’s problem. It’s all for show.
“Legacy’s my thing. Jake Paul’s legacy? ‘He can knock out old people,'” KSI mused. “What’s next? Muhammad Ali? Is he gonna dig him up?!” KSI laughed.
Logan Paul chimed in during the chat. He’d been asked to fight Tyson too, but it wasn’t on Netflix. It wasn’t for the same big payday Jake stands to make. The money makes it a no-brainer for his brother, Logan suggested. KSI begged to differ.
“Evander Holyfield followed me. Messaged me, DMed me. I said, nah. I’m not doing that. I don’t want to be seen as the guy just doing… it’s low-hanging fruit. I don’t want it,” KSI stated.
Jake Paul and KSI have been at odds for a while, all centered around their roles in the boxing world. Paul’s been trying to get in with the traditional boxing scene. KSI’s gone all-in on influencer boxing, even starting his own Misfits Boxing promotion. They’ve both talked about fighting each other. KSI’s been pushing for it for years. But it’s still not happening.