Claire Reid
KSI's upcoming boxing opponent Ivan Nikolov has received a backlash over his tattoos, one of which appears to read ‘white power’.
YouTuber KSI - real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji - announced that he would be taking part in two fights on 27 August. After his original opponent, American YouTuber Alex Wassabi, had to pull out of the event, rapper Swarmz was revealed to be taking his place.
But not content with just the one fight, KSI also announced he’d be fighting Bulgarian boxer Nikolov.
Shortly after the announcement was made, however, KSI fans spotted Nikolov's huge tattoo - which appears to read 'White Power’ - across Nikolov’s stomach.
He also has one reading ‘Blood & Honour’ - the name of a Neo-Nazi group from the UK - and what looks like a Schutzstaffel logo on his arm.
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Some fans have urged KSI to cancel the fight over the tattoos, with one posting on Reddit: “JJ shouldn't platform and give him money. He should cancel this fight.”
And another said: “They really need to cancel the fight with him.”
Shortly after the comments, Nikolov appeared to respond to the backlash on his Facebook account, writing: "I have seen recent news regarding a tattoo referring to 'White Power'. This has absolutely no relevance to an outdated opinion, and simply refers to my own belief in my strength and power as an athlete.
"I have no criminal record, or involvement with the police, regarding any racial issues."
He then added: "I now understand how the tattoo can be misinterpreted, but I passionately distance myself from any other meaning it may have other than representing my force as a competitor.
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However, this statement has now been deleted from the social media platform and cannot be found anywhere else on Nikolov's social media accounts.
LADbible has contacted Ivan Nikolov for comment.
Although Nikolov is a pro boxer, his record is a little bit underwhelming and stands at three wins and 16 losses, with three draws. KSI has had two fights - both against Logan Paul - drawing one and winning the other.
Announcing the unusual decision to have two fights in the one night, KSI tweeted: “I’m fighting 2 people on August 27th. The other opponent is a pro boxer."
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There’s a considerable height difference between the pair, with Nikolov, who is 43, standing 5ft 8.5 inches, and KSI at 6 ft tall.
Taking to social media, KSI added: "Alex Pussabi pulled out, so I had to do the unthinkable. 2 fights in one night.
"Never done before in YouTube Boxing. And to top it off, the other opponent is a pro boxer. August 27th baby, LET’S GOOO!!!!"
This will be the first time KSI has stepped into the ring since fighting Paul in 2019.
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Although he’s yet to get his upcoming fights done and dusted, fans are already speculating on who he could face next with rumours swirling he could go against Logan’s brother Jake Paul.
If the fight did go ahead, it would be an unbelievable payday for KSI, with boxing promoter Eddie Hearn suggesting he could earn up £10 million.
KSI is yet to comment on the backlash caused by his opponent’s tattoo.