Social Media Rivalry Paused as KSI Applauds Paul's Bold Move
The world of combat sports was sent reeling on Monday afternoon with the stunning announcement that Jake Paul will face Anthony Joshua in a professional heavyweight showdown. The eight-round contest, scheduled for Friday, December 19 in Miami, Florida, will see both men wearing 10oz gloves, marking one of the most unexpected matchups in recent boxing history.
From Feud to Fair Play: KSI's Unexpected Reaction
Perhaps the most surprising reaction came from Paul's long-time rival, KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji). Despite years of verbal sparring and a much-discussed but never-materialised fight between the two YouTube stars, KSI appeared to put their differences aside. Taking to X, formerly Twitter, the social media sensation offered a succinct but significant compliment to the American, writing: "Yeah, fair enough Jake."
This public acknowledgement is particularly notable given the history between the two. Negotiations for a KSI versus Jake Paul fight have repeatedly stalled, with Paul himself stating back in May that a bout was unlikely. He previously claimed that KSI's team was difficult to negotiate with and that "Misfits has gone to s***," referring to KSI's boxing promotion company.
Paul's Path to Joshua and the Fight Details
Jake Paul, 28, has been building his boxing credentials with a series of high-profile fights. He scored an impressive decision win over former world champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. in June. A planned fight against Gervonta 'Tank' Davis was subsequently cancelled due to legal allegations against Davis.
Now, Paul faces his greatest challenge yet in Anthony Joshua, the two-time world heavyweight champion. The fight, which Paul has dubbed "Judgment Day," will be contested over eight three-minute rounds. For UK fans, the event presents a late night, with the main event walk-outs expected around 4am UK time (11pm local time in Miami). The entire card will be streamed live globally on Netflix.
In a characteristically bold statement, Paul declared: "This isn’t an AI simulation. This is Judgment Day. A professional heavyweight fight against an elite world champion in his prime. When I beat Anthony Joshua, every doubt disappears... On Friday, December 19, under the lights in Miami, live globally only on Netflix, the torch gets passed and Britain’s Goliath gets put to sleep."
As for KSI, he has not fought since his loss to Tommy Fury in 2023, and his future in the ring remains uncertain. For now, however, the focus is squarely on a Miami ring where a social media disruptor will test himself against British boxing royalty.
