KSI, well-known for organizing major boxing crossover events, recently disclosed that he attempted to arrange a significant fight against former UFC two-division champion Conor McGregor. The social media personality and combat sports figure had hoped to host the potential bout at Alcatraz Island near San Francisco. However, according to KSI, the Irish superstar ultimately declined the opportunity.
McGregor himself had previously referenced turning down an offer to fight at Alcatraz earlier in the year, stating at the time that the deal “wasn’t my worth,” without specifically naming KSI as the opponent.
Speaking on the Misfits Boxing YouTube channel after a recent event, KSI confirmed the proposed matchup, saying, “We had a fight set up and Conor said no.” He admitted he wasn`t certain of McGregor`s exact reasons but speculated it could relate to money, his current mindset, or other factors. KSI offered a candid assessment of McGregor`s current focus, describing him as being “all over the place.” He pointed to McGregor`s diverse interests, including potential political aspirations in Ireland and pursuing various unrelated ventures, adding, “It is what it is… I’m going to just move on and do me.”
Significant uncertainty surrounds McGregor`s future in fighting. Doubts intensified after his anticipated return fight against Michael Chandler in 2024 was canceled due to a toe injury. In the aftermath, McGregor has publicly focused on his co-ownership role in the BKFC bare-knuckle promotion and has even discussed a possible bid for the Irish presidency. UFC CEO Dana White has also expressed skepticism about McGregor competing again in the near future, recently stating he didn`t expect the 36-year-old fighter to return “anytime soon.”
While McGregor`s octagon return remains questionable, KSI affirmed his own commitment to stepping back into the boxing ring. However, he revealed that a hand injury is currently keeping him sidelined. KSI explained that he has been dealing with the injury for approximately a year and requires surgery because he cannot punch without experiencing pain. This hand issue follows a prior instance where he had to withdraw from a scheduled fight against Dillon Danis due to illness.
KSI outlined his plan for returning to competition: “I just need to fix my hand. I’ve told my audience… I can’t punch. Every time I push [my index finger] in, it hurts.” He elaborated, “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. Where I was knocking people out and then we can go from there and then we can have the big fights again.” He anticipates being out of action for a period while he recovers.
