KSI, known for organizing high-profile boxing events, recently stated that he believed he was close to finalizing a significant bout against Conor McGregor. KSI had hoped this fight would mark the Irish superstar`s return to the boxing ring.
The social media personality turned fighter was attempting to arrange the match with McGregor at Alcatraz Island near San Francisco. However, the former two-division UFC champion ultimately passed on the opportunity. McGregor had previously mentioned receiving an offer for a fight at Alcatraz back in March, stating it wasn`t worth his time, though he didn`t specifically name KSI as the opponent.
“I’m happy with what I’ve done,” McGregor was quoted saying. “There was an opportunity or a deal, we’ll say, to fight in Alcatraz only recent… And they came to me and it wasn’t my worth.”
Responding to McGregor`s refusal, KSI claimed he wasn`t given a clear reason why the fight fell through but acknowledged that the former UFC star currently has many commitments outside of combat sports.
Speaking on the Misfits Boxing YouTube channel after a recent event, KSI elaborated: “We had a fight set up and Conor said no… I don’t know, it could be money, it could be his mindset. It could be a lot of reasons… Honestly, I don’t think he knows what he’s going to be doing the next day. He’s all over the place… Let him do his thing. It is what it is. I’m going to just move on and do me.”
Speculation surrounds McGregor`s future in combat sports, particularly after he withdrew from a planned 2024 fight against Michael Chandler due to a broken toe. Since that fight`s cancellation, McGregor has reportedly focused on co-owning and promoting BKFC (Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship) and pursuing political ambitions, including a potential run for Irish President.
UFC CEO Dana White also recently expressed skepticism about McGregor`s return, stating he didn`t expect the 36-year-old fighter to compete again “anytime soon.”
Meanwhile, as McGregor`s fighting career remains uncertain, KSI confirmed he is working towards his own return to the ring but is currently sidelined by an injury for the immediate future.
He had previously been scheduled to fight Dillon Danis in March but withdrew due to illness.
KSI now reports a hand injury requiring surgery before he can properly train and prepare for his return to the ring.
KSI detailed his injury: “For me, I want to fight again. I just need to fix my hand… I’ve had this injury for about a year. I’ve tried to fight through it, it just doesn’t work. I think for me now, I’m going to have surgery, get that sorted and then slowly get some rehab just to get it back to where it was again… For right now, I think I’m going to be out for a bit.”
