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    ‘Won’t be a numpty’ – Joey Essex in talks for boxing debut and has TEN opponents lined up as cousin Demi joins Misfits

    JOEY ESSEX could follow cousin Demi Sims into the Misfits Boxing ring. Demi – the youngest daughter of esteemed trainer Tony – faces Egypt Criss – whose dad is the American rapper Treach – on March 29. Joey Essex, pictured with Adam Brooks, is in talks for a boxing debutCredit: X @EssexPRAnd 34-year-old Joey has been teasing a switch to the boxing ring himself – with Misfits co-founder Mams Taylor leading talks over the phone.Taylor told SunSport: “I spoke to Joey today actually on WhatsApp and I’ve just suggested a couple of opponents for him.”He’s got to take himself away from his schedule and implement the training and take it seriously because that’s what he wants to do.”Look, Joey Essex is not someone who’s gonna do this half-arsed, so I understand for him it’s a hell of a commitment as well because he’s got a lot going on.READ MORE IN BOXING”But I’m very confident we’ll see Joey Essex in a Misfits ring, very soon. Sooner rather than later.”Taylor – who created Misfits as a home to celebrity-style crossover bouts – has tabled over TEN opponents for reality TV star Joey. He said: “I’ve sent him a few options and let’s see what he wants to do.”He’s never had a fight before but he’s been around boxing and trained a lot so you’ve got to consider that and make sure you don’t want to feed the guy into the lions.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”He’s a star as well and I wanna make sure he has a fair challenge on his first outing.”I don’t wanna feed him a numpty at the same time, I wanna make sure that he’s in there and let’s see what he’s made of. It’s a balance and it limits the amount fighters that will draw. KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £250million bout happen”We’ve got to make sure the opponent brings about some interest, so it’s interesting to you guys, it’s interesting to the fans and also as a fair fight.”So that eliminates a lot of names gives me a shortlist of about ten or 12 that I can think of and I’ve sent some of them to Joey and you know, more news on that coming.”KSI also co-created Misfits with his manager Taylor, who originally has a music background. And KSI, 31, returns to the ring in Manchester against Dillon Danis, 31, who is 2-0 in MMA but last year lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul. Joey’s younger cousin Demi, 28, makes her debut on the undercard with legendary dad Tony in the corner. Taylor said: “I haven’t spoken to Tony, I think we follow each other on Instagram, I’m a fan of what he does. “He’s a great guy by all accounts and as a girl father myself, naturally gonna be very protective.”I wouldn’t let my daughter fight on Misfits but I think it’s something that’s come from her, something she’s wanted to do.”And listen, I can guarantee you she’s gonna have had great coaching, at least we know that much, right?”Her opponent is the daughter of one of the group members of Salt-N-Pepa. So that’s gonna be interesting.”You got the offspring of famous parents fighting each other and I think that girl pretty good as well. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think it’s gonna be a good first fight for both of them. It’ll be a fun challenge.”Demi Sims with cousin Joey Essex and sister ChloeCredit: GettyDemi is making a boxing debut herselfShe is the daughter of boxing trainer TonyShe is fighting American Egypt Criss More

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    ‘Whole Premier League card’ – Zlatan targeted for sensational Misfits Boxing bout with ‘so many’ footballers lined up

    ZLATAN Ibrahimovic is being lined up for a sensational boxing bout by Misfits Boxing – with the promoters claiming they could put on a “whole Premier League card”.YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI founded the celebrity-style platform crossover bouts alongside his manager Mams Taylor. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is lined up for a shock boxing fightCredit: Instagram @iamzlatanibrahimovicWayne Bridge could also fight on a cardCredit: GettyDanny Simpson was the first ex-Prem star to fight on MisfitsCredit: GettyEx-Prem winner Danny Simpson, 38, was the first footballer to make the switch to the ring, drawing with YouTuber Danny Aarons, 22, in August. His former team-mate Phil Bardsley, 39, is now in talks with Misfits while Wayne Bridge was on the verge of fighting KSI himself. And promoter Taylor revealed retired superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic – a black belt in taekwondo – is his dream name to join the roster. He told SunSport: “I’ve got so many footballers – that I’m not gonna name – but I’ve got so many footballers that want to do this.READ MORE IN football “I could do a whole Premier League card at this point, which I think could be quite fun. “But we’ll see, there’s a lot of footballers and international footballers as well. So let’s see, but I’m still chipping away at Zlatan, I want Zlatan.”I’m determined to get him in that ring.”Taylor is a friend of 43-year-old Ibrahimovic’s agent and has been trying to convince the AC Milan legend to do a boxing debut.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBridge, 44, was set to fight KSI, 31, on short notice on March 29 in Manchester as Misfits scrambled for a late-notice opponent. But the ex-Chelsea defender pulled out after KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £250million bout happenTerry allegedly had an affair with Bridge’s former partner Vanessa Perroncel in 2009 – something both had always denied. And KSI said when facing off with Bridge: “Aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?” Bridge – who shares an 18-year-old son with Vanessa – withdrew from the fight just days later. But Taylor hopes the retired left-back – who has boxed in two charity bouts before – will still lace up the Misfits gloves. He said: “We all like the sensationalism of a beef, we all like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe he said that’ to a degree.”But I don’t want anyone walking away and feeling like, ‘Oh man, this gave me a horrible feeling or it affected me psychologically in a negative way or or it hurt my family’.”So I don’t want anyone to feel that way. I want them to have a positive experience from it, so I hope he can put that incident behind him and maybe I’ll match make him with someone who’s not got as much of a gift of the gab.”And they have similar vulnerability where they agree to go in respectfully. I’m still chipping away at Zlatan, I want Zlatan! I’m determined to get him in that ring.Misfits Boxing co-founder Mams Taylor “But I’d love to see him in the ring and what I’d really like is to have him in the ring to show the fans who were naysayers, that he can actually fight.”KSI will now fight Dillon Danis, 31, who is 2-0 in MMA and lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 29, in October 2023. And he apologised to Bridge in private for his controversial remark. Taylor said: “I know JJ the next day felt bad and he’s like, ‘Do you think I should DM him?’ “And I said, yeah, just say what’s in your heart and he goes, ‘Yeah, I’m obviously just trying to promote this and I thought he knows the landscape of Misfits and how it can go left with, with things like that.'”I think he realised maybe he went a step too far. He acknowledged that he went too far and he didn’t do it publicly to make it a PR thing. “He personally wanted to actually DM him and just say, ‘Hey man, I’m sorry, door’s open if I can make it up, if there’s anything we can do. I didn’t want to upset you. I just wanted to promote the fight.'”I think Wayne Bridge has spoken about that somewhere, I’m not sure, but I think he acknowledged it and I think we move on.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Look, Wayne Bridge is a man’s man at the same time, I get it would have put strain on his family, but I think he’s a proper man and he’s moved on.”I’d like to see him in a Misfits ring and make sure he’s looked after and has a good experience on his next fight.”KSI facing off with Wayne BridgeCredit: misfits boxing More

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    KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £230million bout happen

    KSI’s team have revealed the new terms they hope will finally get the Jake Paul fight to happen. The pair of YouTubers-turned-boxers have failed to deliver a blockbuster grudge bout – with the finger continuing to be pointed. KSI’s team have new terms to fight Jake PaulCredit: GettyJake Paul recently moved up to heavyweightCredit: GettyIn recent times, a difference in weight has stood in the way of the fight, which is valued at £230MILLION.Paul moved up to heavyweight for his last win- against Mike Tyson – and weighed a career-heaviest 227lb (16st 2lb). But he had been campaigning at the 200lb cruiserweight limit of 14st 4lb – which is still over ONE STONE heavier than KSI’s fight weight. The British superstar returns on March 29 in Manchester against Dillon Danis, 31, at a catchweight of 185lb (13st 1lb).READ MORE IN BOXINGAnd KSI’s manager Mams Taylor fears Paul is continuing to move the goalposts when it comes to meeting in the middle. Taylor told SunSport: “If Jake Paul doesn’t come to the table and make some compromise, then the fight’s not gonna happen because we’re not gonna keep going up in weight.”And look, Jake’s middle keeps changing. So now his middle ground is 192.5. The middle keeps going up for KSI.”KSI is like, ‘Alright, let me put on some weight and fight you at 180, 185.’ And now Jake’s like, ‘Well, no, I’m not gonna fight you at 185, I’ll fight you 192.5.’ Is what he’s saying.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”I bet you it’s part of a negotiation tactic for them. They’re not straight up about it, if KSI goes up to 192.5, they’re gonna be like, ‘Oh, we want it at 200.'”They’re not gonna fight KSI unless they have massive advantages and we just want to fight Jake without anyone having a distinct advantage or disadvantage. We want it to be a fair fight.Tommy Fury opens talks with Misfits Boxing over return fight with huge KSI rematch on the cards”It’s so much on the line I think, I think the bragging rights for that fight is worth more than the money and it’s a massive money fight too.”It’s a $300-$250 million (£230m) fight, it’s a massive fight. I don’t think there’s that many bigger pay-per-views than that.”Paul, 28, beat Tyson, 58, in their controversial fight in November as 100 MILLION tuned in on Netflix to watch. KSI, 31, meanwhile has not returned since losing a disputed points decision to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023. That was at a 183lb catchweight and Taylor believes fighting Paul at 187.5lb is a fresh compromise they hope the American will agree to. He said: “I think 187.5 is a bit uncomfortable for us and I think it’s a bit uncomfortable for him. And I think that’s the fair, new middle point. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think that’s really what it is because if Jake says 200 and we say 175, that’s right in the middle there.”And listen, if Jake fights the top 10 boxer at 200 pounds, at the at the cruiserweight limit, let’s be honest, he’s not gonna have a good time.”KSI and Jake Paul clashing in the ring in 2020Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    Tommy Fury opens talks with Misfits Boxing over return fight with huge KSI rematch on the cards

    TOMMY FURY is entering talks with Misfits Boxing over a return fight – as a rematch with KSI continues to loom.Fury has not fought since beating the YouTuber-turned-boxer via controversial decision in October 2023. Tommy Fury is entering talks with Misfits Boxing over a return fightCredit: GettyKSI’s manager has kept the door open for a rematch with Tommy FuryCredit: GettyThe 2019 Love Islander was due to face ex-UFC star Darren Till in a comeback bout in January. But Fury bizarrely pulled out after Till threatened to KICK him in the head – and he has not rescheduled his return. KSI’s manager Mams Taylor – the co-founder of Misfits – revealed promoter Kalle Sauerland is now due for talks with Fury’s side. Taylor told SunSport: “Kalle’s speaking with Tommy’s team today. I’m not sure exactly what’s going on with that.READ MORE IN BOXING”I’d love to see Tommy in a Misfits ring. Honestly, I think the fight between Darren and Tommy would have been fantastic to set up the winner of that against KSI down the line as well.”Darren I’m very big on. I think he’s an absolute pay-per-view star. And listen, there aren’t that many pay-per-view stars.”Another reason not to rush KSI versus Darren is I think we can develop Darren into standing on his own two feet to becoming sort of one of the flag bearers of Misfits.”And I think he’s a very tough guy. He’s only improving in boxing with the incredible team he’s got.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The guys he works with, they’re elite, champions, and I think it’d be great to have Tommy in as well.”We’ve got some characters, characters who all have personalities and they all have their own goals as well. KSI’s team reveal new term for Jake Paul grudge fight to finally make £250million bout happen”So you’ve got to navigate around that and balance everything out, but I’d love to see Tommy back in the Misfits ring as well and I’d love to see a KSI-Tommy rematch at some point as well.”Till, 32, beat ex-MMA fighter Anthony Taylor, 34, in place of Fury – and Taylor hopes the grudge bout can be re-visited.He said: “I’d love to make that happen but I don’t think the Furys are keen on that fight for whatever reason right now.”So I would love to make it happen though to answer your question – if we can. “But the problem is, I can’t force people to fight each other, you know, I sometimes wish I could!”Fury, 25, underwent hand surgery in the aftermath of his win over KSI, 31, who also picked up a similar injury himself. KSI now returns on March 29 in Manchester against Dillon Danis, 31, who is 2-0 in MMA and lost his boxing debut to Logan Paul, 29, in 2023.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd Taylor has left the door open to a rematch between KSI and Fury. He said: “It’s very possible. I think we have to focus on keeping their options open and if we’re able to keep our options open, let’s see what happens on March 29th.”KSI lost a controversial decision to Tommy FuryCredit: Getty More

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    Tommy Fury’s other brother loses Misfits fight just days before show as boxing family counts against him

    TOMMY FURY’s other brother is in need of a new opponent just days before his ring return.Roman Fury – the half brother of former Love Island star Tommy – was set to make his ring return on the Misifts Boxing 21 undercard later this month.Roman Fury was set to face Misfits heavyweight champion Chase DeMoor later this monthCredit: MISFITS BOXINGBut DeMoor has claimed to have pulled out of their Manchester meleeCredit: GETTYDeMoor announced his withdrawal from the card on XCredit: X@CHASEDEMOORThe 27-year-old was set to take on American reality TV star Chase DeMoor – the holder of Misifts’ heavyweight crown.But DeMoor has revealed he’s pulling out of the fight unless it becomes a professionally sanctioned contest.He said in an X video: “I am not gonna fight Roman Fury, and this is why.”If you don’t know who Roman Fury is, this is his brother, the heavyweight champ of the world, Tyson Fury, who just fought for the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world, not once but twice last year.READ MORE IN BOXING”He comes from a whole fighting family.””He comes from a whole fighting family.”He added: “It makes no sense why I should put my heavyweight influencer title on the line against a pro boxer where nobody else has had to do this.”You can’t tell me there’s no bias in this. This is absolutely ridiculous.”I’m gonna starch him either way, but I want his 0 on the line.Most read in SportCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsRoman Fury is one of Tommy Fury’s older brothersCredit: INSTAGRAM@JAKELEE28Roman was accompanied to the ring by his brothers Tommy and Tyson for his last fightCredit: REUTERS”Basically, you guys want me to put my title on the line to fight a professional boxer when KSI fought his brother a little over a year ago and did not have to do the same thing.”Secondly, he’s a professional boxer on BoxRec. Therefore, this should be sanctioned as a pro bout.Roman Fury secures points victory on AJ vs Ngannou Knockout Chaos Undercard – with John Fury as training and Tyson ringside”If you want me to fight for my title, I want this fight sanctioned on BoxRec.”I want this to count towards our record, and I don’t want to hear none of this nonsense about how you can’t sanction it.”Because this and that. I’m a pro, he’s a pro. Amir Cashman, as you can see, is fighting on the card.”He is sanctioned under a different boxing organization to make this a pro boxing bout.”If Roman Fury really thinks he’s gonna beat me and he really has the bollocks, why should I put my title on the line when he doesn’t have his 0 on the line?”If you want this fight to happen, then I want to sanction on pro box right. This needs to be a pro bout. That’s what it is.”READ MORE SUN STORIESRoman – who had brothers Tyson and Tommy walk him out for his last fight last August – has yet to react to DeMoor’s withdrawal, which has not yet been confirmed.Misfits Boxing 21 takes place a week on Saturday and will be headlined by a grudge match between KSI and Dillon Danis. More

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    KSI called out by footballer who infamously knocked out Premier League legend for Misfits Boxing fight

    KSI has been called out to a fight by football hardman Phil Bardsley. Bardsley infamously knocked out Wayne Rooney in a drunken kitchen sparring session in 2015. Football hardman Phil Bardsley has called out KSICredit: PABardsley infamously knocked out Wayne Rooney in a drunken kitchen sparring session in 2015KSI is the founder of Misfits BoxingCredit: PAHe only retired from playing in 2023 and moved into coaching – but now he fancies a switch to the boxing ring. Bardsley, 39, told BoyleSports, who offer Premier League odds: “I would step in there with anyone, including KSI.“I had an operation recently but it won’t take me long to get my fitness up when I’m back in the gym. “I’d love to give it a go and I think I’d really enjoy the routine of it, it’s something I’d really look forward to.READ MORE IN BOXING“I’d never turn down a fight on one of the Misfits cards, but it’s not in my nature to go out there promoting myself. Let’s see what happens.”Bardsley came through Manchester United’s academy and was signed with the Red Devils from 2003-2008. During that period, he also had loan spells with Royal Antwerp, Burnley, Rangers, Aston Villa and Sheffield United. The right-back later played for Sunderland, Stoke, Burnley again and finally Stockport County – where he retired. Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBardsley is an avid boxing fan watched on as former United team-mate Danny Simpson also made his boxing debut. Simpson, 38, drew against YouTuber Danny Aarons, 22, last August and continues training for another bout. KSI’s sparring partner says he snubbed Love Island return to focus on Misfits Boxing and reveals how hard YouTuber hits Misfits is the home to celebrity-style crossover bouts headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. KSI, 31, returns against MMA star Dillon Danis, also 31, in Manchester on March 29. But Danis replaced Wayne Bridge, 44, after the ex-Chelsea player pulled out when KSI referenced his infamous feud with John Terry. Danny Aarons and Danny Simpson drewCredit: GettyKSI facing off with Wayne BridgeCredit: misfits boxing More

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    Love Island’s Wil Anderson confirmed for HUGE fight with Britain’s Got Talent legend in surprise Misfits showdown

    LOVE Island star Wil Anderson will battle it out with Britain’s Got Talent legend Jordan Banjo in a Misfits boxing bout.The surprise clash was announced tonight and the two heavyweights will go toe to toe next month.Love Island star Wil Anderson will battle it out with Britain’s Got Talent legend Jordan Banjo in a Misfits boxing boutCredit: Instagram/@wilandersonnWil is up against JordanCredit: RexThe night is being headlined by former Love Island star Idris Virgo and Ty Mitchell.The post read: “FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT‼️ 12th of April we bring you an absolutely stacked card with Idris Virgo and Ty Mitchell fighting it out for the MFB PRO Light Heavyweight title. Your not going to want to miss this one.”Diversity star Jordan, 32, has been training hard in recent months, posting from sweaty training sessions at his London gym on Instagram.The dad-of-three has got rounds in against tough prospects such as Barnet heavyweight Lewie Pochetty.READ MORE ON WIL ANDERSONWil, 23, who is in a relationship with his Love Island co-star Uma Jammeh, has fought muay thai to a high standard and will now transfer some of those striking skills into the ring.Back in October, Wil signed Summit Sports and Supreme PR and announced his hopes for a Misfits boxing career. He said at the time: “I’m excited to embark on my boxing journey. Training with Samm at Churchills, alongside Neraldo Ymeri, to help prepare me for my debut in the boxing ring, is a privilege, and I can assure you I mean business.”The fight announcement comes just days after Wil challenged professional dancer and reality star Curtis Pritchard to a dust up.Most read in BoxingWil mocked Curtis over his cringeworthy Hollyoaks cameo and branded him a “fool”.The call out happened after Curtis told Sunsport that he wants to do “some boxing” now his dancing career has cooled off.Love Island’s Wil reveals his ‘real name’ in new video – and fans are shockedHe also told Boxing Buzz Hub he would be keen to fight several Love Island stars in the ring.In 2019, he laced up the gloves with the help of his fellow Love Island star Tommy Fury for a telly series called The Boxer and the Ballroom Dancer.Tommy, 25, coached him for a white collar bout – which he won on points.Speaking to Sunsport this week, Curtis said: “I’ve always been into fighting and boxing and all of that stuff so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid.”But dancing was my main career at the time and you couldn’t balance when you’re doing it at a very high level.”I’ve always been into fighting and boxing and all of that stuff so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So I feel like now I’m at a different place in my life and I thought, let’s do some boxing. Let’s do something I’ve always wanted to do and get in the ring.”He said he has his eyes on Sammy Root and Davide Sanclimenti, who used to date his girlfriend Ekin Su Culculoglu.Diversity star Jordan, 32, has been training hard in recent months, posting from sweaty training sessions at his London gym on InstagramCredit: GettyWil soared to fame on last year’s series of Love IslandCredit: Instagram/@wilandersonn More

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    KSI’s sparring partner says he snubbed Love Island return to focus on Misfits Boxing and reveals how hard YouTuber hits

    IDRIS VIRGO turned down a return to Love Island to focus on Misfits Boxing and continue training with KSI. Virgo entered the ITV villa in 2018 as an undefeated boxer and now has a professional record of 12 wins with one draw. Idris Virgo turned down a return to Love IslandCredit: Rex FeaturesVirgo is focusing on Misfits Boxing fightsCredit: GettyBut more recently, he has focused on the celebrity-style crossover bouts with Misfits Boxing – headed up by YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI. Virgo’s next fight is against Ty Mitchell – Tyson Fury’s former sparring partner – on April 12 in Leeds. And he had to reject a return to Love Island on this year’s All Stars show to commit himself to the bout. Virgo, 31, told SunSport: “I could have taken the chance to risk going on the show and come out for this fight.READ MORE IN BOXING”But it’s too much, so I thought I’d kick it to the can. Oh, it is 100 per cent a tough decision because Love Island’s my root, that’s the reason why I’m standing here today.”I got what I have because of Love Island, so it would have been good to go back on there, build my career, X, Y, Z, but sometimes you gotta take sacrifices and that’s one of my sacrifices.”I had to kick the can and train hard ready for this fight.”Virgo has relocated from Birmingham to the capital to train at London Shootfighters alongside KSI.Most read in BoxingCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe two are regular training partners and Virgo said: “KSI is really good. People don’t understand how good he is. “I believe KSI is on, say British come European kind of level if you wanna talk about pro ranks.KSI lifts lid on meeting with Turki Alalshikh and teases fight talks… but blasts Jake Paul as ‘disgrace to boxing’ “Some people are thinking, well, this guy’s chatting rubbish, but he’s really good, honestly. “He’s got power in his right hand, got good movement, good cardio, now he’s picking up boxing IQ, the guy’s got everything.”KSI, 31, has not returned since defeat to Tommy Fury, 25, in October 2023 which was his first loss in the ring. Virgo was KSI’s main sparring partner for the camp and was left with a sore head after their final session. He revealed: “The guy hit so hard when he was training for the Tommy Fury fight, I was his last spar.”I got into that ring, sparred him, he hit me so hard I went home and I put a bet on for a knockout.”That’s how hard he hits. He hits like a truck. Leaves me headaches 100 per cent.””He’s got power in his right hand, got good movement, good cardio, now he’s picking up boxing IQ, the guy’s got everything.Idris Virgo on KSI KSI faces 2-0 MMA star Dillon Danis, 29, in his comeback bout on March 29 in Manchester. And Virgo predicted: “He’s gonna show people his boxing IQ in this fight.”I do believe he’ll probably knock Dillon Danis out in either the third or fourth round. “It’s just gonna show people what he’s learnt from Shootfighters.”KSI was recently pictured with Saudi boxing supremo Turki Alalshikh – and Virgo believes he is the man to finally make the Jake Paul grudge match.He said: “JJ wants that fight, it’s Jake Paul being a coward, being a duck who’s ducking.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If they can have the fight in the car park, they have the fight in the car park, you know what I mean? “Hopefully Turki can make it happen, you never know.”KSI and Virgo are training partnersCredit: @idrisvirgo More