YouTube star KSI will return to the boxing ring on August 27 at London's O2 arena when he squares off with long-time rival Alex Wassabi.
The social media sensation is one of the most recognisable celebrities in the UK, and has fielded fight offers from One Direction's Liam Payne and fellow YouTuber Jake Paul since his win over Logan Paul in November 2019. But he has opted to square off against his old enemy Wassabi in the main event of his new promotion Misfit Boxing 's debut show.
His new promotional outfit will be assisted in running by his manager Mams Taylor as well as the Sauerland Brothers and Wasserman Boxing. The boxing veterans are looking to attract a new audience to their brand, and view social media stars as a key part of the puzzle.
KSI, whose real name is JJ Olatunji, will put his chart-topping rap music career to the side for the summer to focus on training at London Shootfighters for Wassabi, who burst into the boxing world by beating the Brit's younger brother Deji in March. The American has been a rival of KSI's since he began boxing in early 2018, and the pair will finally settle their feud in a grudge match.
The Brit has launched his own outfit to promote YouTuber boxing, and will run a series of shows throughout the next year showcasing internet stars and other celebrities. He expects to fight twice before the year is out, once against Wassabi and later against Austin McBroom, before officially launching his charge towards the younger Paul sibling.
DAZN will carry the event, which will be one of their first pay-per-view efforts since launching in the UK in December 2020. It will also feature match-ups including rapper Blueface against Faze Clan co-owner Thomas 'Temper' Oliveira and the return of KSI's brother Deji against American rival Fousey.
“I am back, after almost three years to take charge once again," KSI said in a statement announcing the event. "First on the list is Alex Wassabi, who I have laughed at many times on my YouTube channel. The one who believes that he will destroy me in the weight of him. The one who defeated my brother. I am here to get revenge for him and to show the world why I am a powerhouse to be reckoned with."
The broadcaster first got into business with KSI for his rematch with Logan Paul, where the duo turned professional to square off at the Staples Center in California. Eddie Hearn and Matchroom Boxing promoted the show, which was a major hit for the streaming service in America, and served to usher in an onslaught of YouTube boxing events.
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“We see this agreement as a great growth opportunity for our business," said Joe Markowski, EVP of DAZN Group. "By partnering with KSI, with whom we have already achieved unprecedented success, we will long-term position ourselves as the go-to destination for a new and emerging sports category.
"On August 27, no boxing fan can miss an incredible night featuring professional bouts with some of the biggest names in world entertainment and DAZN's top-tier production."
KSI's manager and co-promoter under the Misfits Boxing banner Mams Taylor added: “We are very excited to kick off this event on August 27, it is truly the dawn of a new era for crossover boxing, and you are going to see familiar faces from all walks of the entertainment world in that arena.”
