Ed Sheeran has been offered a £1million payday to fight his estranged cousin in a celebrity TV boxing match. The singer, 35, has been challenged to step into the ring with relative Jethro, 44, following a bitter family feud.
Musician and record producer Jethro has already been sticking the boot into Ed as a result of the Macklemore row. But now he wants to deliver a knock-out blow by going toe-to-toe with the superstar in a “clear the air” grudge match.
£1million offer for six rounds
Boxing promoters are offering Ed a whopping £1million to take part in the proposed fight, consisting of six three-minute rounds.
If the Shape of You singer accepts he would pocket an astonishing £55,555 for every minute in the ring - if the fight goes the distance - or £925.93p a second.
While Jethro would receive considerably less from the fight, the rapper - who performs under the stage name Alonestar - insists he is ready to rumble.
Jethro enlists Joe Calzaghe as trainer
He has already enlisted his long-time friend, Britain’s best-ever boxer, Joe Calzaghe, as his personal trainer should Ed agree to slug it out next February.
He said: “I’m well up for fighting Ed. I am happy to climb in the ring with Ed to try and settle our differences.
“Many boxers have a bruising match but hug at the end whoever wins. So you never know. I have already spoken to a trainer about setting up camp. Providing all safety protocols are in place. As far as I’m concerned, let’s get it on.”
Feud dates back to 2014
The pair famously fell out after Ed’s record label ordered him to ditch the star’s name from his remixed version of Raise Em Up in 2014.
Jethro - the son of Ed’s paternal uncle - accused his cousin of personally ordering Warner Music to threaten him with legal action. Since the fallout the pair have remained estranged.
The proposed “No Love Lost” showdown could take place at London’s 7,500-seat Copper Box Arena.
Celebrity boxing promoter Abi McCabe hopes to stage the family grudge match next Valentine’s Day. Depending on sponsorship, it could be made available on pay-per-view or livestreamed online.
Abi, founder of Speed Star Promotions, said: “Boxing is much more than two people in a ring fighting.
“There is always a story behind the participants, be it rivalry, jealousy or general dislike.
“It’s obvious that Ed and Jethro are both massively talented and were once really close as a family.
“A boxing match would be the perfect chance to fight it out once and for all and maybe move on from a family feud.
“Ed could easily make more than £1million from this and even more depending on ticket sales and sponsorship.
“We think there would be huge global interest in the boxing match. Jethro is up for it, we just need Ed to show his willingness.
“Ed is a fan of boxing and he’s in great shape - it wouldn’t take much to get him trained and ready for a boxing match.”
Macklemore axed from tour
The latest twist comes after Ed’s supporting act for his Loop USA tour, rapper Macklemore, was axed by promoters earlier this month following pro-Palestinian remarks he made on stage.
Ed, who has been friends with the star for years, insists the decision was not his, but that of the promoters.
The rest of Ed’s supporting acts then quit the tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Ed’s representatives have been approached for comment.
