KSI and Logan Paul shape up for boxing rematch this November
David Farnor | On 18, Sep 2019
YouTube vloggers KSI and Logan Paul are stepping back into the ring this November for a rematch.
The pair of YouTubers, British rapper KSI and Los Angeles actor Paul, have more than 40 million subscribers between them. They no strangers to controversy in their careers, but both agreed to fight each other, after KSI challenged Paul to a boxing match. Their amateur bout took place in Manchester in February 2018 and ended in a draw, according to the judges.
With about 800,000 people streaming the match live online, the pair have now confirmed that they will be hosting another contest – this time, a professional fight. The match will take place on 9th November 2020 at the Staples Centre in California, this time giving Paul the home turf advantage.
DAZN will broadcast the bout in the US and it is expected to air on Sky Sports in the UK.
Anthony Joshua has branded the rematch “sick”, despite criticisms of KSI and Paul making a mockery of the sport.
“He could have promoted it from a point of view that’s non-boxing, but getting their licenses, no head guards, rounds of boxing,” he told the press. “What people have to realise is, you have to put all eyes on boxing for us all to thrive. So KSI and Logan Paul have a bigger following than me and most of the heavyweights combined.”
Joshua has predicted that KSI will win, but added that “Logan Paul is a big unit”.
With the press conference this week announcing the rematch already surpassing 8 million views, Matchroom Boxing chairman Barry Hearns has predicted that it might be the biggest match of the year.
“This fight is probably going to be the most-watched fight of the year,” he told Sky Sports. “It is crazy, but they are at least respecting the code. They’ve turned pro, no head guards, 10oz gloves. I don’t think they know what they have let themselves in for on that one.”
“Madness, total madness,” he added. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Staples Center is going to be crazy and hopefully we can grow the sport and keep these fans in the sport.”