KSI Announces Retirement from Boxing and Declines $30 Million Offer to Fight Jake Paul
January 25, 2026
British YouTuber and boxer KSI, real name Olajide "JJ" Olatunji, has officially announced his retirement from boxing. In a recent interview on The Ranveer Show, KSI revealed his decision to step away from the sport, citing a lack of passion and the mental toll it has taken on him.
KSI stated, "When it comes to boxing, I'm done. I tried. My main goal when I got into the boxing ring again was to fight Jake Paul and build Misfits. [I tried] to fight Jake Paul time and time and time again, and it's just excuse after excuse… [Paul] was just getting heavier and heavier, trying to move the goalposts when it comes to weight. Then it got to the point where I was like, 'What am I doing? I'm done.'" (si.com)
He further disclosed that he had been offered substantial sums to fight fellow YouTuber Jake Paul but declined, emphasizing that financial incentives were not enough to keep him in the ring. "I've been offered $20 million to fight Jake Paul, $30 million to fight Jake Paul. These guys can't give me any amount of money to fight this guy," KSI remarked. (si.com)
This announcement follows a series of challenges in KSI's boxing career. After his loss to Tommy Fury in October 2023, KSI faced multiple setbacks, including canceled fights and his departure from Misfits Boxing, the promotion he co-founded. In October 2025, Misfits Boxing appointed Andrew Tate as the new CEO, a move that KSI publicly criticized. (timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
KSI's retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in the influencer boxing scene, where he played a pivotal role in bringing mainstream attention to the sport. Fans and fellow creators have expressed support for his decision, acknowledging the pressures and demands of professional boxing.
As KSI steps away from the ring, he continues to focus on his other ventures, including his music career and the popular energy drink brand, Prime, which he co-founded.
Note: This article is based on information available as of January 25, 2026.