Promoter Kalle Sauerland believes KSI's fight with Jake Paul has the potential to do bigger numbers than a fight between Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.
YouTube star KSI - real name JJ Olatunji - is looking to make a successful return to the ring this Saturday at London's O2 arena where he takes on rapper Swarmz- real name Brendan Scott a nd Luis Alcaraz Pineda. He will likely then call out rival Paul with the pair having first come face-to-face at his friend's AnEson Gib's defeat to Paul.
KSI has already agreed to a winner-takes-all clash with Paul at Wembley Stadium next year providing his unbeaten form continues this weekend. And joint Misfits Boxing promoter Kalle Sauerland believes Olatunji's fighting is bringing new audiences to the sport and has the potential to eclipse his fight with Paul's brother Logan.
"The fight if KSI gets through Saturday against Jake Paul is an interesting one," Sauerland said at yesterday's open workout. "It probably does bigger numbers than any other event in boxing and that would even include Tyson Fury v Anthony Joshua. It would have to be bigger than Wembley, look at the numbers we haven't even done a press conference yet.
"I have never done an event at the O2 and not done a presser for it, it is bizarre. It is all online and it is incredible, I am learning again and it is exciting. F*** yes I would be a part of the event, of course that is the biggest fight in crossover boxing and numbers wise the biggest in boxing full stop. If he wants to see the money we will show him the money."
YouTube star KSI has already shown that he is capable of producing mega numbers after selling two-million pay-per-views for his meeting with YouTube star Paul's brother Logan. It is expected a fight with the younger Paul brother would be the biggest in YouTube boxing which has exploded in popularity since Joe Weller fought KSI in 2018.
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Boxing in the content creator world has grown year on year with Paul having also had five professional fights against the likes of Tyron Woodley and Ben Askren. He is eyeing a number of fights against top opposition including Canelo Alvarez and Conor McGregor, but his rivalry with KSI is still a key aspect. Paul has accepted KSI's offer of a winner-takes-all clash and believes his opponent has been "ducking" him by pursuing his music career.
"Good morning guy 'fighting' rapper with t-shirt on. Your hometown and winner takes all. 1000 per cent I accept, but one condition… you have to reply and admit that as of TODAY when it comes to boxing, I am better." KSI then replied: As of today in boxing you're better. Let's run it b****."
