KSI's manager believes his star respects YouTube rival Jake Paul despite describing their "genuine disdain" for one another.
YouTube star KSI - real name JJ Olatunji - will return to the ring this Saturday night when he takes on two opponents in the shape of rapper Swarmz - real name Brendan Scott - and professional boxer Luis Alcaraz Pineda at London's O2 arena. If KSI is to pick up two victories he could take another vital step closer to settling his rivalry with Paul whom he plans to fight next year.
KSI and Paul have a history of feuding since they made their boxing debuts and came together in heated face-to-face after the American defeated KSI's friend AnEson Gib. The British star's manager Mams Taylor has revealed the only respect between the pair comes purely from their mutual willing to step in the boxing ring. "I don't know that there is a bigger fight in our space," Taylor told Mirror Fighting.
"There is such a competition between them from years ago and there is such a genuine disdain for another and it has been brewing and fans know it. Believe me whoever loses that fight is not going to be fun for them because the internet takes no prisoners. I think both him and I respect him because we respect anyone who has the balls to get in the ring.
"Look at the rivalry between Logan and JJ it was big but it wasn't as drawn out but look how Logan bounced back and became a friend of JJ and his career is thriving." Paul and KSI have been trading verbal barbs for several years on social media and on YouTube, with the pair seen as the biggest characters in the YouTube fighting space.
Recently the pair came to an agreement on a fight date next year, with KSI approaching Paul for a fight in Wembley Stadium which the 'Problem Child' gladly accepted publicly. It is likely we will first see KSI continue to build his resume with his return marking just his second and third fights in the professional ranks.
Many have suggested a fight between KSI and Paul could end the rise of influencer boxing as it is arguably the pinnacle fight fans have been waiting for. However KSI believes a victory could see him challenge the likes of UFC star Conor McGregor or boxing legend Floyd Mayweather in further crossover bouts.
And Taylor believes Mayweather would likely accept a lucrative offer to meet KSI in the ring. "I think guys like Floyd and Conor McGregor are interested in big numbers," Taylor continued. "If the numbers are their then it makes sense. For us it's a legacy thing whereas for them its a numbers thing. I think there is a big draw for either one of them guys or anyone else and let's never say never."
