The highly anticipated boxing match between YouTube sensations KSI and Jake Paul has been on fans’ wish lists for six years, but it seems the fight may never come to fruition. According to KSI’s promoter, Mams Taylor, ongoing negotiations have continually fallen apart, casting doubt on whether the two influencers will ever meet in the ring.

Since KSI’s victory over Joe Weller in 2018, the idea of a bout with Jake Paul has been floated around, but despite numerous attempts, an official fight has yet to be arranged. The latest negotiations reached a boiling point, but ultimately, the deal collapsed.

Initially, a verbal agreement was reached for a fight at 175 pounds, which later changed to 180 pounds. However, following Jake Paul’s loss to Tommy Fury, he shifted his focus to fighting Nate Diaz instead of KSI. “Jake wanted it, he agreed to 175lbs initially, then we agreed a verbal deal at 180lbs. Everything was agreed with details to come, and then Jake lost to Tommy,” Taylor told talkSPORT.com.

Jake Paul is currently set to fight Mike Tyson on November 15, while KSI is negotiating a unique 2 vs 1 match against Slim Albaher and Anthony Taylor in Misfits Boxing this August. Despite both camps showing interest at different points, the match has been postponed again, with no plans for it to happen in 2024.

A significant obstacle in arranging the fight is the weight difference between the two fighters. Jake Paul, who now feels comfortable fighting above 200 pounds, initially proposed fighting at 185 pounds, a weight that KSI finds challenging. Taylor expressed frustration over this issue, emphasizing that KSI would not agree to conditions that give Paul an advantage. “We will not be succumbing to all of their demands, and he isn’t a fighter who needs to fight Jake Paul. So we won’t give up weight and agree to stipulations that give Jake an advantage,” Taylor said.

Recent negotiations have seen new offers from both sides. Jake Paul suggested KSI step in to replace ‘Iron Mike’ at 200 pounds on short notice, while KSI countered with a 185-pound challenge. However, no progress has been made, and Taylor believes Paul’s camp is stalling. “I genuinely with all my heart believe they don’t want the KSI fight. Because I think KSI exposes Jake,” Taylor remarked.

Taylor doubts the fight will ever happen, citing the continuous hurdles and lack of agreement. “I really don’t believe that fight happens, it will not be all on their terms. As a gentleman, I have come forwards and been completely ghosted. I said we’d compromise and come to America, do the 185lbs which isn’t JJ’s optimum weight. Beyond that it is on you guys, and it is radio silence,” he concluded.

This situation mirrors other high-profile fights that have fallen apart due to stalled negotiations, such as Anthony Joshua vs Tyson Fury. While Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao eventually took place, it happened later in their careers. YouTube boxing fans are left hoping that KSI and Paul will eventually settle their differences in the ring.