Celebrity boxing is slowly proving itself in the world of combat sports. With the emergence of Jake Paul and frequent one off events, sport of boxing seems to be a fun venue that’s not very intimidating for creative individuals.
The latest to call out for a celebrity boxing debut is former One Direction band member Liam Payne.
Payne is targeting Justin Bieber and Youtube celebrity KSI for a boxing bout.
Payne rose to fame after appearing on the X factor in 2008 – when music mogul Simon Cowell joined Payne with bandmates Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson and proposed they form a band.
Payne has since struggled to gain momentum in his solo career – but he is a big fan of boxing. In fact, he was even present for the Josh Taylor’s victory over Jack Catterall.
Payne believed fellow musician Bieber would not entertain a fight offer. “If there is a chance for me to jump in the ring and feel gladiatorial in the 21st century I am in,” Payne told Logan PaulÂ
“I love boxing as a sport and I think it’s fantastic. I would just enjoy the challenge and the road up to it would be great. Yeah I would fight KSI he would have to come down a few weight slots.”
“But yeah I’d fight him. I like him too much though. I will fight whoever you want. But I don’t think Justin Bieber would do it. For the same reason I wouldn’t fight Trippie Redd, I don’t think he is on my level. But if he did want to do it I would.”
KSI is not a bad match up for him considering that he’s clearly interested having competed in 3 boxing bouts.
KSI (real name JJ Olatunji) has boxed YouTubers Joe Weller and Paul in white-collar bouts before securing rematch victory against the American YouTuber in his most recent outing. KSI is currently rumored to be looking for an opponent – his ring return happens this summer on August 27.