IShowSpeed Sets Sights on KSI for High-Stakes Boxing Rematch

‘I’m Whooping Your Ass’: IShowSpeed Sets Sights on KSI for High-Stakes Boxing Rematch

LONDON — The world of influencer boxing is bracing for a potential earthquake. Darren Watkins Jr., better known to millions as IShowSpeed, has officially called out British YouTube titan KSI for a rematch, promising a vastly different result from their viral sparring session two years ago.

In a characteristically high-energy livestream on Sunday evening, the 21-year-old American creator directly addressed his long-standing rival, claiming he is now physically and technically prepared to "humiliate" the Misfits Boxing founder.

The ‘Tenacity’ Factor

The rivalry dates back to December 2023, when the pair met for a charity sparring session in London. While the event raised significant funds for the Anthony Walker Foundation, the footage became a staple of internet culture after KSI dropped an inexperienced Speed multiple times with body shots.

Despite the "beatdown," KSI famously "tapped out" as a gesture of respect for Speed's resilience, a move that left the American in tears and demanding they finish the scheduled rounds. Fast forward to April 2026, and Speed claims the "mercy" shown that night is exactly what fuels his desire for revenge.

“JJ, you think that little spar in London was the end of it? You think I forgot how you were dancing while I was on the canvas?” Speed shouted to his 30 million subscribers. “I’ve been training. I’m faster, I’m stronger, and I’m telling you right now—I’m whooping your ass. Set the date. Misfits, Netflix, I don't care. Just get in the ring.”

A Clash of Eras

The potential bout represents a collision between the "pioneer" of influencer boxing and the most explosive personality of the current streaming generation. While KSI has faced professional fighters like Tommy Fury, Speed has spent the last year undergoing an intensive physical transformation, often sharing clips of his unorthodox training drills and explosive athletic feats.

The Rivalry – Tale of the Tape

The ‘WrestleMania’ Connection

The call-out comes just days after AI predictions for WrestleMania 42 suggested a massive "YouTuber overbooked mess" involving both stars alongside Logan Paul. With both influencers frequently appearing in the WWE ring as guest stars, some industry insiders believe a sanctioned boxing match could be the ultimate "blow-off" to a three-year narrative.

However, KSI’s camp has remained uncharacteristically quiet. The Sidemen star is currently occupied with the global expansion of the Prime and Lunchly brands, as well as his own music career. Sources close to Misfits Boxing suggest that while JJ "finds Speed hilarious," he may require a significant financial incentive to step back into the ring with a "wildcard" who has nothing to lose.

‘Don’t Run Now’

Speed’s campaign for the rematch hasn't stopped at livestreams. The creator has been tagging KSI in clips of himself performing backflips and sprinting, captioned with “Don’t run now, Knowledge.”

Critics of influencer boxing argue the match-up is a "mismatch" given KSI’s professional experience, but the sheer commercial power of the duo makes it a promoter's dream. If the fight is finalised, it is expected to rival the viewership of the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson era.

For now, the ball is firmly in KSI’s court. Whether the "Nightmare" will choose to re-enter the ring to silence his loudest critic remains the biggest question in the streaming world this spring.