KSI Announces Boxing Retirement and Fires Three Profanity Shots at Jake Paul
KSI closed the door on his boxing career Saturday night inside the Copper Box Arena, declaring that “The Nightmare” has retired while delivering three unfiltered shots at longtime rival Jake Paul.
The YouTuber and Misfits Boxing co-founder stepped into the ring during the Essex vs. Dapper card and grabbed a DAZN microphone to deliver the news. “I want to make an announcement,” he said. “The nightmare, the nightmare has retired. The nightmare has retired. Simple.”
KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, has not competed since dropping a six-round unanimous decision to Tommy Fury in October 2023. He previously stated on a podcast in January that he was finished with the sport and had turned down a reported $30 million offer to face Paul. Saturday’s in-ring statement made the decision public and final in front of a live audience.
An interviewer on the broadcast noted that Paul had previously placed KSI on a personal “hit list” and asked for a response. KSI did not hesitate.
“First of all, fck Jake Paul,” he said. Moments later he added, “I’ll say it again, fck Jake Paul.” He then repeated the line a third time for emphasis: “I’ll say it one more time, f*ck Jake Paul.”
The comments arrived on the same night KSI confirmed his return to Misfits Boxing in an executive capacity only. He also used the platform to announce that former UFC and Bellator standout Michael “Venom” Page had signed a multi-year deal with the promotion. Page, who recently left the UFC after a 5-1 run in his most recent stretch, will now compete under the Misfits banner while KSI remains outside the ropes.
The retirement ends years of speculation around a potential KSI-Paul showdown that never materialized. Negotiations repeatedly stalled over weight, timing, and promotional details, even as both men built separate crossover boxing brands.
KSI’s decision removes one of the most discussed unmade fights in the influencer boxing space and shifts his focus fully to the business side of Misfits.
Page’s arrival gives the promotion a high-profile combat sports name with legitimate striking pedigree and a proven track record against top competition.
KSI has framed the signing as evidence that Misfits continues to grow even without him competing. He told the crowd that Michael ‘Venom’ Page choosing the company “says everything about where we are as a promotion.”
With KSI’s fighting days behind him, Misfits Boxing will move forward under his executive leadership while Page and the rest of the roster carry the competitive load. The next major events on the calendar will show whether the promotion can maintain its momentum without its founder stepping back into the ring.
