JAKE PAUL was left “flattered” after KSI begrudgingly backed his arch rival to beat Tommy Fury.
The celebrity boxing stars are in talks to reschedule their grudge match after it was twice axed.
And KSI is in the midst of himself negotiating his own bitter bout with fierce nemesis Paul.
The YouTube, rap and crossover boxing sensation claimed he will even RETIRE once he finally fights the American.
Paul responded: “KSI actually telling the truth for once!
“I’m flattered I’m your ultimate goal in boxing and you know what happens with Timmy.”
READ MORE IN BOXING
Fury, 23, twice withdrew from fighting Paul, 25. Firstly last December with a rib injury and then in August amid a US visa issue.
The travel ban still persists and his promoter Frank Warren revealed talks are ongoing to finalise a deal in the UK.
KSI, 29, meanwhile returns on January 14 against 2-0 MMA fighter Dillon Danis, 29.
He had two comeback fights on the SAME NIGHT in August, beating rapper Swarmz, 26, and journeyman boxer Luis Alcaraz Pineda, 23.
Most read in Boxing
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
KSI had not fought since 2019 when he beat Paul’s brother Logan, 27, in their rematch a year after drawing.
The split-decision verdict has fuelled the feud between KSI and Paul to build towards a proposed blockbuster bout in 2023.
But KSI could not help but predict Paul beating Fury ahead of the expected rescheduled fight.
He said: “I think, I hate to say it, I think Jake will win it.
“I think Tommy hasn’t really been tested – he’s been tested a few times chin-wise and he has been a bit wobbly.
“And I just think Jake has just dedicated more time to the training compared to Tommy.
“I think Tommy just does the boxing because it’s the thing to do in his family.
“But I don’t think he’s as dedicated as someone like Tyson or his other brothers. So I think Jake will win that, as much as I hate to say it.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
