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KSI vs Logan Paul set to make ‘internet history’ with sold-out fight between the YouTube stars to rake in over £150m and be watched by millions
THE BIGGEST boxing contest in internet history is on the horizon as KSI faces Logan Paul in Los Angeles.
For some, the YouTube stars are complete unknowns indulging in a publicity stunt but for millions this is a totally serious sporting event.
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British gamer and rapper turned professional boxer KSI, real name Olajide William Olatunji, boasts 20.4million subscribers on YouTube and an undefeated record in the ring.
A sold-out debut contest with fellow online personality Joe Weller at London's Copper Box Arena in February of last year saw him claim a TKO victory and open up the market significantly.
A whopping 1.6 million viewers tuned in live with 21 million catching the highlights during the following 24 hours - figures smashed by the first match-up with Logan Paul.
Bitter rivals online, the pair stepped into the ring last August and battled to a controversial draw.
More importantly, 60 million people tuned in worldwide and £150million was banked, each man taking home around £30m-40m.
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HOW DID THE REMATCH COME ABOUT?
As soon as the majority draw verdict was announced in Manchester last year, a rematch was confirmed.
The numbers alone make it a no-brainer.
These fights are broadcast on YouTube's pay-per-view channel, previously at £7.50 a pop, and over one million people paid to see the first contest.
WHO IS KSI?
Watford-born YouTuber began uploading videos over ten years ago, predominantly about games such as FIFA and Grand Theft Auto.
His brother, Deji Olatunji, also published clips and they quickly gathered a big audience.
Helped form popular gaming group Sidemen and was accused of generating false controversy when leaving amidst a bitter feud - before rejoining.
Branched out into music and released his first of four rap EPs in 2016.
Won debut amateur boxing match versus Joe Weller, subsequently drawing with Logan Paul and turning professional for the rematch.
However the majority of people, approximately 1.2 million, took it in illegally via streaming sites such as Twitch.
And just as in the world of elite level boxing, there have been serious negotiations to consider.
KSI hoped to have the fight in May of this year and for it to be in Dubai or New York, having hosted the initial bout.
But it was eventually put back to November and placed in Los Angeles, Paul's home city for the past five years, despite concerns KSI's British fans would miss the bout due to time zone differences.
HOW CAN I WATCH IT?
Once again, the fight will be broadcast on YouTube's pay-per-view channel.
Set for November 9, some big players have got involved with Anthony Joshua's promoter Eddie Hearn in on the action and streaming service DAZN controlling the broadcast.
WHO IS LOGAN PAUL?
American vlogger found fame on short-lived video platform Vine.
Moved to a Los Angeles apartment complex full of fellow Vine stars before switching to YouTube.
Appeared in US TV show Law & Order and flop Gary Oldman romcom The Space Between Us.
Angered viewers with clip depicting a corpse at a notorious suicide site in Japan.
Created "mockumentary" on Flat Earth Theory believers.
Younger brother Jake Paul is also a YouTube star, who beat KSI's brother on the undercard in Manchester.
It takes place in LA's Staples Center, the location of Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury's famous draw for the WBC heavyweight title last year.
The venue holds 21,000 people and is expected to be totally sold out well in advance of the night.
WHAT WILL HAPPEN?
Unlike last time, this contest is under professional terms, meaning no headguards.
With the match-up seemingly quite even and tensions high, both KSI and Logan Paul have spoken in brutal terms about how they will approach the contest.
The Brit stated: “This time I won’t make it so close, especially now that it’s a pro fight, no head guards and 10oz gloves... the time to end him is nearing.
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"I can’t wait to see the memes of him slumped on the ground after I’ve repeatedly beaten the life out of him.
"He’s facing a different animal this time. He will soon realise."
Paul, meanwhile, reckons his performance from last time will have improved greatly thanks to the level of training he has undergone.
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The 24-year-old said: “Last fight, KSI couldn’t beat me with only three months of training under my belt.
"For the past year, while JJ [KSI's other nickname] has been wasting his time trying to become a rapper, I’ve been training every single day.
"I’m finally getting what I wanted from the beginning – no headgear, 10oz gloves, and the opportunity to dismantle JJ’s repugnant face in Los Angeles, my home city."
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