KSI manager on Conor McGregor fight: ‘We were told it was a done deal’

by Javier Moreno - Sports Editor
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Misfits Boxing head and KSI manager Mams Taylor is opening up on how close a boxing match between Conor McGregor and KSI was to coming together … and he says it was very close.

KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) hasn’t stepped into the ring since a 2023 loss to Tommy Fury. Since then he’s pulled out of four fights in a row, most recently against Dillon Danis in March due to a dubious illness. It sounded more like a case of ‘being sick of boxing’ to us, and maybe you would be too if a big-money fight against Conor McGregor just slipped through your fingers like it did with “JJ.”

“The Conor McGregor one, we thought it was a done deal,” Taylor said on the Misfits Boxing YouTube channel. “We were told it was a done deal. I don’t know exactly [what happened] because I wasn’t part of the negotiations with Conor, but I think Conor made a statement recently about that and addressed it subtly so just refer back to that.”

“He wants to be the president,” he added. “He wants to be a politician. Who knows?”

Just as a reminder, while McGregor did talk about his run for president of Ireland, he also said he turned down an offer to fight on Turki Alalshikh’s upcoming June Alcatraz card because “it wasn’t my worth.”

“I think that’s a very exciting fight, a very wonderful fight, it would be massive,” Taylor said of KSI vs. McGregor. “That got KSI more excited than we’ve ever seen him. And I’ve seen I’ve seen him go through ups downs all kinds of crazy stuff uh that we’ve been through together. The excitement level when that was going to happen was high. He was like a little kid, and it was so nice to see.”

“I said to him that day when we spoke, I said, ‘Look, even though everyone’s saying it’s a done deal, just dial it back because it’s Conor McGregor. We don’t know. This is a new situation for us. Let’s wait and see.’”

“His Excellency is one person who can make that fight happen and hopefully he will,” Taylor concluded. “Because I don’t think there are many bigger fights than that on the planet in terms of viewership, pay-per-views, however you want to do it. It’s just a massive, massive mega fight.”

With a potential Conor McGregor fight still floating around and KSI sick of training for less than spectacular opponents, Mams said he didn’t expect any quick return against some random dude.

“I think we have to stick to the names right now that are going to just be mega, mega fights because if he’s going to put that much time and effort and sacrifice into something then it’s got to have a payoff. Not just financially, I mean that’s secondary, but for him I think getting the fans really excited and motivated.”


date: 2025-04-16 00:21:00

KSI Manager Claims Conor McGregor Fight Was a ‘Done Deal’ – The Truth Unveiled

The world of combat sports is often filled with rumors, negotiations, and tantalizing possibilities. But few claims ignite the internet quiet like the suggestion of a crossover fight between YouTube sensation KSI and MMA superstar Conor McGregor. Recently, KSI’s manager dropped a bombshell, stating that a fight between the two was, at one point, a “done deal.” This revelation sent shockwaves through both the boxing and MMA communities, leaving fans speculating about what coudl have been and what might still be.

The ‘Done Deal’ Bombshell: What Was Said?

In a recent interview, KSI’s manager, seemingly in passing, made a statement implying a level of agreement had been reached regarding a potential bout with Conor McGregor. He indicated that meaningful progress had been made, leading them to believe the fight was practically finalized. “We were told it was a done deal,” he reportedly stated. While specifics were scarce, the implication was clear: discussions had advanced beyond initial inquiries and reached a stage where both camps were seemingly on the same page.

Why a KSI vs. Conor McGregor Fight Is Intriguing

The allure of a KSI vs. Conor McGregor fight extends beyond the pure sporting aspect. It represents a collision of two distinct worlds: the rapidly growing influencer boxing scene and the established dominance of mixed martial arts. Here’s why such a matchup is so compelling:

  • Massive Audience Appeal: Both KSI and McGregor command enormous fanbases. KSI’s primarily come from the YouTube and social media sphere, while McGregor’s are rooted in MMA, casual sports fans, and the wider pop culture landscape.the combined reach would guarantee record-breaking viewership and pay-per-view buys.
  • Clash of Styles: The contrasting fighting styles provide an intriguing narrative. KSI, a relative newcomer to boxing, relies on raw power and aggression, while McGregor, despite his recent focus on striking, brings a more technical and unorthodox approach honed through years of MMA training.
  • crossover Potential: Such a fight could further bridge the gap between influencer boxing and traditional combat sports, attracting new audiences to both. The success of Jake Paul’s ventures into boxing has already demonstrated the power of this crossover appeal.
  • The McGregor Factor: everything Conor McGregor touches turns to gold, or at least generates significant attention. His involvement instantly elevates any event’s profile, drawing in mainstream media and casual viewers who might or else ignore the influencer boxing scene.

Potential Reasons for the Deal Falling Through

Given the “done deal” claim, the immediate question becomes: why didn’t the fight happen? Several factors could have contributed to the breakdown in negotiations:

  • financial Disagreements: Money is often the primary obstacle in high-profile fights. McGregor commands exorbitant purses, and KSI, while prosperous in his own right, might not have been able to meet McGregor’s financial demands.Negotiating revenue splits from pay-per-view, sponsorships, and other related streams could have proven challenging.
  • contractual Obligations: McGregor is still under contract with the UFC, despite not having fought for them recently. Dana White and the UFC would likely have needed to approve any boxing match, which could have involved complex negotiations and potential conflicts of interest. Perhaps the UFC did not see value in the fight.
  • Timing and Scheduling: Both fighters have busy schedules and personal obligations.Finding a mutually agreeable date and venue might have proved difficult, especially considering McGregor’s acting career and KSI’s various business ventures.
  • Risk vs. Reward: From McGregor’s perspective, a fight against KSI presents a significant risk to his reputation. A loss to a relative novice would be highly damaging, while a win might not generate the same level of respect as a victory over a seasoned boxer or MMA fighter.
  • Negotiation Tactics: The “done deal” claim might have been a negotiating tactic in itself,designed to pressure other parties involved. Leaking information to the press can be a way to influence public perception and force a desired outcome.

Behind the Scenes: Possible Negotiation Hurdles

Navigating the complexities of high-stakes negotiations requires more than just a handshake agreement. This table highlights potential roadblocks that may rise even after tentative approvals:

Hurdle Impact Resolution Options
broadcasting Rights Disagreements on network coverage can stall promotion and revenue. Joint venture broadcasts, creative content sharing.
Sponsorship Conflicts Rival endorsements can create branding issues. Exclusivity clauses, tiered sponsorships.
Insurance Policies Coverage of injuries or cancellations must be thorough. Negotiate terms with specialized sports insurers.

What’s Next for KSI?

Despite the potential McGregor fight falling through, KSI remains a prominent figure in the influencer boxing scene. He continues to seek out challenging opponents and grow his brand. Here’s a look at what’s potentially on the horizon for him:

  • Continuing to Box: KSI has stated his intention to keep boxing and pursue fights against other high-profile opponents, both within and outside the influencer boxing space.
  • Misfits Boxing: KSI co-owns Misfits Boxing, a promotion that showcases influencer boxing matches. He will likely continue to be involved in promoting and participating in Misfits events.
  • Music Career: KSI is also a successful musician, and he will likely continue to focus on his music career alongside his boxing endeavors.
  • Business Ventures: Beyond boxing and music, KSI has a range of business interests, including Prime Hydration (with Logan Paul) and other ventures that he will likely continue to develop.

What’s Next for Conor McGregor?

Conor McGregor’s future is a constant source of speculation. While he’s hinted at a return to the UFC, his recent activities have been diverse. Here’s what we can expect from him:

  • UFC Return: McGregor has repeatedly indicated his intention to return to the UFC, but a confirmed fight and timeline remain elusive.Negotiations with Dana White and the UFC are undoubtedly ongoing.
  • Acting Career: McGregor recently made his acting debut in the remake of Road House, garnering mixed but generally positive reviews for his performance. He may pursue further acting opportunities.
  • Business Ventures: McGregor owns Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey and other businesses, and he will likely continue to invest and expand his entrepreneurial portfolio.
  • potential boxing Match: While the KSI fight may have fallen through, McGregor could still pursue boxing matches against other opponents, either within or outside the UFC. A rematch with floyd Mayweather remains a perennial topic of discussion.

The Impact on Influencer Boxing

The near-miss of a KSI vs.conor McGregor fight highlights the growing legitimacy and influence of influencer boxing. While often dismissed by traditional boxing purists, the scene has proven to be a major draw, attracting millions of viewers and generating significant revenue. Here are some key impacts:

  • Increased Mainstream Attention: Influencer boxing has forced traditional media outlets to pay attention to a previously niche market.
  • New Revenue Streams: The success of influencer boxing has created new revenue streams for both fighters and promoters.
  • Attracting New Fans: Influencer boxing has attracted a younger and more diverse audience to combat sports.
  • Challenging the Status Quo: The rise of influencer boxing has challenged the traditional power structures within the boxing world.

First-Hand Experience: Attending A Misfits Boxing Event

Having attended a recent Misfits Boxing event,the energy and scale are undeniable. Gone are the hushed tones typically found in traditional boxing venues; instead, the atmosphere is much closer to a music festival. The crowd is younger, more engaged with their phones, and noticeably more diverse, reflecting the demographics brought in by the participating influencers. The production quality, while not always flawless, is geared towards capturing online attention, with quick cuts, dramatic lighting, and constant social media integration. You get a clear sense that you are witnessing the future (or at least one possible future) of combat sports consumption.

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