In the world of influencer boxing, drama is never in short supply. The latest twist comes from Mams Taylor, president of Misfits Boxing, who revealed on the True Geordie Podcast that Jake Paul had initially agreed to fight KSI but later backed out.
KSI’s manager confirmed that Paul had agreed to fight in a larger U.K. stadium but then rejected the proposed dates. The disagreements revolved around the undercard, a trivial dispute, and a winner-take-all aspect of the fight, including production demands that were deemed ridiculous.
Despite resolving these issues, Paul still decided to back out, claiming he wanted to “fight a bigger name” instead of another creator. This adds fuel to the ongoing drama surrounding influencer boxing.
Initially, hardcore boxing fans criticized the involvement of the Paul brothers and other Twitch and YouTube influencers, accusing them of using the sport for clout. However, to the surprise of many, some of these influencers have proven their fighting skills.
Jake Paul, previously known for his unfunny Vines and cringe-worthy music videos, currently boasts a record of seven wins and one loss in eight fights since 2019. He has never been knocked out, with his only loss coming from a decision against Tommy Fury.
While it’s true that Paul’s opponents have mainly been washed-up MMA stars and fellow YouTubers, his 7-1 record exceeds expectations. Similarly, KSI remains undefeated with four knockouts and one win by decision.
Boxing is a sport driven by egos, but it also operates within a strict time frame for athletes to compete. Influencers, with their financial freedom from their main jobs, can choose when and how they want to fight. While this may be a loss for the sport, it is unlikely to impact the bank accounts of Paul or KSI.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
