“It’s a Massive Fight”: Eddie Hearn Urges Jake Paul to Focus on KSI for Record-Breaking PPV Sales
Eddie Hearn has advised Jake Paul and KSI to strike while the iron is hot.
The bitter influencer boxing rivals have been talking up a potential grudge match for years, but negotiations are no nearer to making their fight a reality.
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Jake Paul and KSI have been beefing for yearsCredit: DAZN
KSI is set to have a 2 vs 1 fight with YouTuber Slim Albaher and MMA star Anthony Taylor at the 3Arena in Dublin, Ireland on August 31
Before that, Paul will take on ex-UFC star Mike Perry in Florida on July 20.
Should Paul emerge victorious on Saturday night, ‘The Problem Child’ will move on to a clash with 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson, whom he is booked to face on November 15.
Anthony Joshua’s promoter has advised Paul and KSI to put aside their egos and any other fights they have planned to make a massive event with each other.
“Jake Paul and KSI do huge numbers,” Hearn told DAZN.
“In the UK you’re talking about one million buys plus. In the US it will do a strong number, globally both guys have incredible followings in key territories. It’s a huge fight.
“But one of the problems is both guys are quite young and both have big egos. Both guys have opinions about their value and their worth, and that’s bigger than the other person.
“To make a fight like that will take both of them to really want that fight and come together and say, ‘Regardless of whether I think I’m a little bit bigger than you, shall we just say it’s 50/50 for all the money in the pot and let’s make a fortune.’
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Paul already has another opponent lined up after PerryCredit: Esther Lin/MVP
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Hearn believes the smart move is to make a fight with KSI nowCredit: Mark Robinson/Matchroom
“As you become older and more sensible, that’s what fighters get to sometimes. They [initially] think it’s 60/40 in their favour, but in the end, you’re better off going 50/50.”
Hearn has warned both men that this fight may not be as big down the line.
Jake Paul shows off incredible physique in sparring ahead of massive fight against Mike Perry
A loss or bad performance could negatively impact their pay packet.
Hearn added: “The longer you wait and if there’s a bad performance.”
“We’re lucky that this fight is still big because Jake Paul lost to Tommy Fury and if he doesn’t look great against Mike Perry and if KSI doesn’t look good in his 2 vs 1 madness – the fight starts to diminish.
