So the time is nearly upon us for one of the more controversial fights in recent times to hit our screens as KSI and Logan Paul prepare to do battle for a second time this weekend. Our build up includes our tips for the main event and the undercard, and we also caught up with Boxing Monthly’s Tom Craze for his thoughts ahead of the contest. Don’t worry if you missed the first contest, we’ve got you covered in our recap of the first fight.
The YouTube Rivals
This isn’t the first time that KSI has had ‘beef’ with a fellow YouTuber and settled it in the ring, as in February 2018 he defeated fellow Brit Joe Weller in a YouTube boxing match. It didn’t take him long to move on to the next target s in the post fight interview he instantly issued a verbal challenge to Logan and his younger brother Jake.
Jake responded by insisting he had never head of KSI, only for the Londoner to reveal that the Californian was among his large social media following. The YouTubers soon began trading insults, with Jake even suggesting that his own father, Greg, should face KSI’s dad in an MMA fight in a move which reflected the old playground barb of “my Dad is bigger than your Dad.”
With KSI’s younger brother, Deji, getting involved in the feud, the scene was soon set for a boxing double-header between KSI and Logan, and Deji and Jake.
Trading Blows
It was eventually agreed that the contest would take place at Manchester Arena and would be available to watch on YouTube’s PPV channel. After all the glitz and glamour you could hope for from two showmen, when it came down to the action, the two did their best to prove that they are more than just internet personalities.
Paul dominated the first two rounds, but KSI had boasted of his greater stamina before the fight and fought his way back the longer the two men’s battle went on. They regularly taunted each other during the fight itself and exchanged insults.
One dramatic moment came when Jake Paul – Paul’s brother, who had himself fought on the undercard – ran into the ring at the end of the second round to remonstrate with KSI for throwing a punch after the bell had sounded. However, neither man could get rid of their opponent and it was left to the judges to decide on the outcome. The fight ended in a majority draw after six, three minute rounds with two judges scoring it 57–57 and the other 58–57 in favour of KSI.
What happened afterwards?
With nothing to split the two internet personalities after 6 rounds, the talk immediately went to a rematch and, with each fighter rumoured to have made between £20-£40 million each for the fight, it is easy to see why they were so keen to get back into the ring.
Both men have had their controversies in the press, with KSI making tasteless comments about Logan Paul’s battle with depression and Paul saying he would kill KSI in the rematch. Things do not end there either, as Paul has admitted he took a supplement in the build up to the first contest in a bid to get the edge and the bragging rights.
Say what you will about the circus that goes alongside a contest between these two, but there is plenty for boxing to learn about the way they use social media and how they promoted the fight last time. However, things have stepped up since the last time and with the pair agreeing to turn professional for this bout, which means no head guards and lighter gloves, it should be a contest with a little more edge.
Find out who we are tipping to win, as well as a run down of our tips for the undercard, by clicking here.
