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KSI vs Logan Paul 2 is set to make history – whether boxing fans like it or not. The two social media superstars have turned professional and will headline the Staples Centre in Los Angeles this weekend, however, how did we get here?
When people think of KSI and Logan Paul, they think of the guy who rose to stardom from his Fifa gameplay and the ex-Disney star turned Vlogger. The two crossed paths last year in a white-collar fight at a sold-out Manchester Arena and since then the beef has continued. Now, they headline a card that features Championship level boxers inside one of America’s biggest indoor arenas, the question many are fielding is: where did all this start?
The very first YouTube fight did not include KSI or Logan Paul, instead it was between Joe Weller and Malfoy – two friends who had allegedly fallen out and decided to settle it in a ring. The two met at ‘The Underground Gym’ in Brighton, where they fought in a six minute video.
Prior to the bout, KSI commented on a social media post by Joe Weller. The YouTube star declared his interest in fighting the winner between the two, although this initially seemed to be in jest. Following back and forth exchanges on social media, the two confirmed that they would meet at the 7,400 seater Copper Box arena. The two would engage in press conferences and social media exchanges which would get very personal and heated.
Whilst there was controversy – particularly KSI’s comments about Weller’s mental health, the event captured the eyes of almost the entire YouTube scene. The viewership figures proved to be absolutely massive too, the event drew 1.6 million viewers live, amassed 21 million in the following 24 hours and has since topped over 25 million. It officially became the most viewed white-collar event of all time.
Following his dispatching of Weller, KSI called out both Logan and Jake Paul in his post fight press-conference. Both the Paul’s initially didn’t take the call-out seriously, however, after much back and forth, a fight was confirmed between Logan and KSI.
The event was confirmed to take place at the Manchester Arena on Pay-Per-View. Much like the previous event, there was plenty of pre-fight promotion including press conferences in both America and England. The press conference in London in particular drew attention with the Paul’s being attacked by members of the public.
Objects were thrown at their entourage, including paint-tins as well as their father being attacked in public. The animosity between the American and the Brit was clear for everyone to see as they traded personal barbs continuously.
However, despite the controversy, the pre-fight promotional material proved to be a resounding success. All of the videos produced in the lead-up bought in over 60 million views, in the month prior to the fight, pre-fight material was viewed just under 30 million times on YouTube.
The fight itself drew in a huge audience, the 21,000 seater arena was billed as a sell-out. The success continued with the viewership figures, 2.2 million watched live, this includes 1 million on pay-per-view. Following the event, the fight video had been viewed over 75 million times little under a month later.
With the bout officially ending in a draw, a rematch was reported to have been a part of the contract. Per the agreement, the second bout would have to take place in the USA. But there was much dispute between the two parties for some time following the event to try and get the rematch confirmed.
Just over a year on from the previous event, Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Boxing confirmed that he would be promoting the rematch between the two stars. However, the difference being this time that the event would take place as a professional event and not a white-collar event.
Per his announcement, the two would meet with a Cruiserweight limit (200lbs) in a six-round bout with 10 ounce gloves. The decision to allow for this saw Hearn and Co. questioned and criticised by many across the sport, as sections of fans and pundits alike feel that this makes a mockery of the sport with Paul and KSI not being real fighters.
?“This is not a novelty act, you want to do this, do it properly.”@EddieHearn explains why he's decided to promote @KSIOlajidebt – @LoganPaul 2
What are your thoughts on these two YouTubers turning pro? ? pic.twitter.com/mBcalBJZfw
— Sky Sports Boxing (@SkySportsBoxing) September 5, 2019
Eddie Hearn has argued that his decision to do this is based on the amount of eyes it brings to the sport. He stated he feels that by ditching the original format of an all YouTube card and bringing in professional Championship boxers, he is opening the sport to a new market.
Although, Hearn baulked at the idea of it initially. Both parties approached the Matchroom Boxing director about their first fight, he laughed the idea off:
“They asked me to get involved for the first fight at the Manchester Arena and I said ‘no chance’. Two YouTubers, don’t be ridiculous. Where is it? Manchester Arena. Don’t be ridiculous, 20,000. Who’s broadcasting it? Pay-per-view, no one will watch.”
But he was swayed after, seeing how successful the event was, especially after discovering it generated just under £3 million.
With both men undergoing fight-camps, they have both recruited professionals from the sport to help lead them to victory. KSI has worked alongside Jeff Mayweather, Badou Jack and Team GB professional boxer, Viddal Riley. Meanwhile, Logan Paul has teamed up with former Heavyweight champion, Shannon Briggs.
With their respective camps complete and media obligations over, the two will square off on Saturday on ‘DAZN’ and ‘Sky Sports Box Office’. Whilst many question the legitimacy of their fighting credentials, the feat itself is impressive.
To some it is a cringe battle of two over-inflated egos and to others it is a battle for the number one status on YouTube. Nevertheless, few could have ever envisioned that a small video idea in a gym in Brighton could have morphed into something so transcendent.
