‘Hawk Tuah’ sensation gets KSI to confirm Conor McGregor’s potential move to influencer boxing

Youtuber-turned-boxer KSI talks about getting rejected by UFC superstar Conor McGregor for a boxing bout in a viral podcast.

‘Hawk Tuah’ sensation gets KSI to confirm Conor McGregor’s potential move to influencer boxing

KSI opens up about failed boxing negotiations with Conor McGregor (via Imago/X)

Conor McGregor remains one of the biggest combat sports superstars, despite not competing inside the UFC octagon for over three years. He consistently makes headlines worldwide with his antics, interviews, and training updates, keeping fan and media attention firmly focused on his return. Many, including crossover celebrities like KSI, frequently call him out, hoping for a lucrative, high-profile PPV matchup.

KSI recently did a podcast with the viral ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl, Hailey Welch in a recent collaboration. The pair talked about various topics from social to the fight game. During the conversation, Welch asked KSI about potentially fighting McGregor, to which the YouTuber made a shocking revelation. 

I mean, I tried And it didn’t happen, he said, ‘Nah’. Yeah, he refused. It is what it is. He’s got a lot going on, especially with bare-knuckle and whatever situation he’s going through.

KSI via Talk Tuah with Hailey Welch podcast.
YouTube video

KSI and McGregor’s rivalry has been around for some time now. He called out ‘The Notorious’ online, mocking his boxing skills and hinting at a potential crossover fight for attention. McGregor fired back, dismissing KSI as a “YouTube clown” and said he’d break him in seconds inside any ring. Their exchanges sparked fan debates, but no real fight was booked, keeping it all as internet-fueled hype and banter.

McGregor has shared the same situation with others, such as Jake Paul and Logan Paul. Jake has constantly taunted McGregor, calling him washed and begging for a fight to prove he’s the real draw. Logan and McGregor teased the idea too, claiming they would fight in India, fueling fan hype and crossover boxing chaos online.

The Paul brothers and McGregor last crossed paths during Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony held in Washington DC, back in January. Viral clips from the event showed brief interactions between them, sparking speculation about a potential fight or collaboration in the future. Despite the buzz, no agreements or serious talks were finalized between McGregor, the Paul brothers, or even KSI afterward.

KSI’s opponent mocks him for faking injury 

KSI and Dillon Danis were scheduled to box each other on March 29 in Manchester, and they had a heated faceoff. However, KSI withdrew from the fight due to a severe illness that impacted his training badly. He suffered from constant coughing, sinus pain, and fatigue, making it impossible to prepare properly despite seeking medical help.

KSI vs. Dillon Danis failed match-up
KSI vs. Dillon Danis failed match-up (via DAZN)

Fans were disappointed by the news, especially since this marked the second time their anticipated bout had been canceled. Danis mocked KSI’s illness online, reigniting tensions and adding more drama to their already chaotic boxing rivalry. Recently, one of KSI’s videos went viral on the internet, celebrating Arsenal’s UCL win, which invited criticism from Danis. 

Can’t reschedule the fight because he says he won’t heal in time… but he can do this?

Dillon Danis via X 

Danis is infamous for his online antics and heated rivalries with fighters across the combat sports world, especially on social media. His feud with Logan Paul turned particularly nasty, leading to a lawsuit that drew widespread attention and criticism from the public. Many believe Danis desperately needs actual fights now just to cover his mounting legal bills and financial troubles.

 Is influencer boxing running the sport?

Influencer boxing is gaining serious traction, often overshadowing traditional bouts with its massive audiences and viral marketing strategies online. Many purists argue it’s damaging the sport’s integrity, but promoters love the revenue and exposure these crossover events bring. 

Jake Paul is the new face of boxing
Jake Paul is the new face of boxing (via X)

Younger fans are more drawn to personalities than rankings, shifting the landscape toward entertainment over elite competition in many cases. Whether it’s a bad or a new era, influencer boxing undeniably holds major influence over the sport’s current direction.

Related: Conor McGregor luxury watch: What are the collections that the Irishman owns?