KSI's Busted Hand Finally Getting Fixed – But That McGregor Fight? Dead and Buried

By Lewis Barnett 29 August, 2025 7 mins read 177 Views

Honestly, I feel bad for the guy.

KSI's been walking around with a messed-up hand since October 2023 when Tommy Fury handed him his first real boxing loss. And now – finally – he's going under the knife in November to get it sorted. About time, if you ask me. The YouTuber-turned-boxer has been pulling out of fights left and right because of this injury, including some ridiculous two-on-one handicap match that sounded more like WWE than actual boxing.

His manager Mams Taylor told me the recovery could be anywhere from a couple months to six months. That's... not exactly reassuring? But Taylor's optimistic: "He's a healthy, young, fit young man and his recovery time should be quicker than most." Sure, let's hope so.

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The McGregor Deal That Wasn't

Here's where it gets really frustrating. KSI was THIS close to landing the fight of his career against Conor McGregor. I'm talking about a proper payday – the kind that sets you up for life. Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh was orchestrating the whole thing, and according to Taylor, it was basically done.

"We were told it was done," Taylor said. "Conor had agreed with Turki, we agreed with His Excellency as well after a week of negotiations."

Then McGregor just... walked away. Classic Conor move, honestly. The guy's been out of action since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier back in 2021, and when he finally gets a chance to make some serious money outside the UFC octagon, he decides he's worth more than whatever they offered.

Dana White's Iron Grip

The whole situation reminded me why UFC fighters get so frustrated with their contracts. Remember when McGregor fought Floyd Mayweather in 2017? Dana White made an exception then, but he's been adamant about never doing it again. Turki Alalshikh was supposedly the one guy who could convince White to let Conor fight outside his UFC deal again.

Didn't happen.

Poor KSI was "beyond excited" according to his manager, and when the deal collapsed, "it took the wind out of his sail a little bit." I can imagine. You think you're about to secure generational wealth, and then it all falls apart because of egos and politics.

McGregor's Legal Troubles Keep Piling Up

Meanwhile, McGregor's been dealing with his own mess outside the octagon. In December, he lost that civil case where he was found liable for assault – the court ordered him to pay about £206,000 in damages to Nikita Hand. He tried appealing and lost that too. The guy's 37 now, hasn't fought in years, and his reputation keeps taking hits.

At a Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship press conference in April, McGregor basically confirmed he turned down the KSI fight because the money wasn't right. "They came to me, and it wasn't my worth," he said. "I hold every pay-per-view record in the book."

Fair enough, but at some point you've got to wonder if he's pricing himself out of relevance.

What's Next for KSI?

The big question now is whether KSI will even bother coming back to boxing after he gets his hand fixed. He's been pretty coy about his future, and honestly, I don't blame him. The guy's built a media empire – why risk getting punched in the face for anything less than a massive payday?

Taylor thinks KSI will return if the right opportunity comes along: "I think if the challenge is right and it excites him and it excites the fans then he will want to fight. But, it would have to be the right fight."

KSI apparently told his team: "Look, one thing we've forgotten is I'm a big-game hunter. I don't want to just fight for the sake of fighting, I want to make a spectacle."

Can't argue with that logic. Why take tune-up fights when you're already rich and famous? Either go big or stay home.

As for that McGregor fight ever happening, Taylor's keeping the door open: "You never know, you really never know with this space. I think it will be one of the biggest pay-per-views of all time."

Maybe. But I'm not holding my breath. McGregor seems more interested in promoting his whiskey and posting cryptic messages on social media than actually fighting anyone. And KSI's probably better off focusing on his other ventures anyway.

Still, it would've been one hell of a spectacle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anyone can learn how to box professionally.

Even though boxing may be accessible to all, not everyone is cut out to compete professionally. Boxing is a sport that requires a special combination of physical strength, mental toughness, talent and dedication. The sport has inherent risks that potential boxers will have to be willing and able to take. A thorough examination by a trainer is a good way to determine whether or not someone has potential for a boxing career.

What are the dangers of professional boxing?

Professional boxing is a contact sport and as such, it carries risks. They include acute injuries, such as cuts and bruises, broken bone, head trauma, and potential chronic conditions caused by repeated impacts, such concussion syndromes, or neurological disorders. Although boxing regulations and safety equipment can help to reduce risk, it is impossible to eliminate them completely. It is important to understand and accept these risks before you decide to box professionally.

What should someone look for in a boxing coach or trainer?

When seeking a boxing coach or trainer, one should look for experience, a successful track record with other boxers, compatibility in coaching style, and a deep understanding of the sport's technical and strategic aspects. A good coach will also stress safety, conditioning and personal growth. In order to reach your potential in boxing, it's important to have a trainer who motivates and communicates effectively.

What type of diet is best for a beginner boxer?

A boxer who is a novice should eat a healthy diet. This will help him recover from intense training and fuel his workouts. A mix of carbohydrates is best for energy, lean protein to repair and build muscle, and healthy fats to improve overall health. Hydration, vitamins, and minerals are critical as well. A sports nutritionist will be able to provide a customized diet plan tailored to the boxer’s training regime and weight class goals.

What roles do managers and promoters play in a boxer's professional career?

Managers and promoters play pivotal roles in a boxer's professional career. Managers are in charge of guiding a boxer's professional career, negotiating contracts and managing the boxer’s business affairs. They can also assist in choosing the right fights for the boxer and take care of his or her interests. Promoters, on the other hand, focus on event organization, marketing fights, and attracting audience and sponsor attention, which enhances a boxer's public profile and earning potential.

How does one progress from amateur to professional boxing?

Transitioning from amateur to professional boxing entails a significant step up in competition, training intensity, and mental preparation. A boxer who wants to become a professional must have a solid track record. This is usually achieved by competing in local and national competitions. A professional boxing licence is essential, as are experienced managers and coaches who can help guide your career and secure professional bouts.

How long will it take me to become a boxer professional?

The time it takes to become a professional boxer can vary widely. The length of time to become a professional can be affected by the person's initial skill level, his or her ability to adapt and their training. It could take a few years of hard work and success as an amateur before a person is ready to become a professional. Some people may develop more quickly while others will take more time.

Statistics

A study showed that most professional boxers have spent more than 4 years in training before their first professional bout.
As per recent surveys, only about 17% of professional boxers reach a title shot opportunity in their careers.
Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
The average age for boxers to turn professional is between 18 to 25 years, though many continue to compete well into their 30s and beyond.
Cardiovascular fitness is critical, with a focus on high intensity interval training, comprising up to 40% of a boxer's conditioning program.
Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.

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How To

How to recover after intensive boxing training

A quick recovery is crucial for progress and performance after intense boxing workouts. After workouts, implement a cool down routine that includes low intensity cardio and stretching to reduce muscle pain. After training, nutrition is a priority. A mixture between protein and carbohydrates helps muscles recover. Hydration is vital, so replenish fluids lost during exercise. Sleep is vital for recovery. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. Regular use of foam rollers and massage therapy can also support muscle recovery and reduce stiffness.