KSI could end up stealing Nate Diaz's boxing debut from his long-time rival Jake Paul after telling fans he has interest in facing the UFC legend.
The YouTube star will return to the ring in January on a huge pay-per-view card which is also expected to feature Logan Paul's boxing return. And with no opponent yet booked, KSI could swoop in with a big money offer to tempt Diaz into his first boxing match after the legendary MMA fighter left the UFC with a submission win over Tony Ferguson last weekend at UFC 279.
Diaz is now one of the most valuable free agents in all of combat sport, and will be fielding mega-money offers from around the world to compete in MMA, boxing and more. He has been long-touted as a possible opponent for Jake Paul, but if KSI were to offer him a better deal he could be brought to the UK for a major showdown.
KSI was listening in to a Twitter space on Saturday night with Happy Punch Promotions where YouTube news reporter Daniel 'Keemstar' Keem was asked about the possibility of the Brit fighting Diaz. He was unable to join due to needing vocal rest while on tour in Europe, but reportedly texted Keem saying "of course, lol" when the topic was broached by the host, who goes by the nickname 'Fight Lounge'.
It came after the chart-topping musician's manager Mams Taylor tweeted a series of teasing messages. He first congratulated Diaz for his win as well as Ferguson for his performance over the four rounds, before sending fans into hysterics by saying "Diaz is a perfect Misfit!"
Who do you think wins; KSI or Nate Diaz? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Misfits Boxing is KSI's promotion that he runs in association with DAZN and Wasserman, where he made his successful return to the ring last month. The Watford native knocked out rapper Swarmz and Mexican journeyman Luis Pineda in one night at a sold out O2 arena in London, and will take on one more opponent in January before facing Jake Paul next summer.
Meanwhile, Diaz has indicated that he will be exploring other options after leaving the UFC, and is expected to launch his own fight promotion covering all combat sports. He was in attendance for Paul's last fight with Tyron Woodley, and implored him to have him in the front row again for his bout with Anderson Silva in October.
“100 per cent, I’ll slap the Stockton out of him,” Paul told reporters of a potential fight with Diaz at yesterday's launch press conference for his fight with Silva. “I’m focused on Oct. 29. I have a crazy tough opponent in front of me in Anderson Silva, so that’s my main focus.”
