KSI vs Joe Fournier
{{Short description|2023 crossover boxing match}}
{{Infobox Boxingmatch
|fight date=13 May 2023
|Fight Name=MF & DAZN: X Series 007
|image=220px
|location=Wembley Arena, London, England
|titles=MFB cruiserweight championship
|fighter1=KSI
|nickname1="The Nightmare"
|record1=4–0 (3 KOs){{Efn|On BoxRec, KSI's professional record is 1–0 and his MF-professional record is 3–0 (3 KOs).{{Cite web |title=BoxRec: Olajide William Olatunji |url=https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/896699 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200531223549/https://boxrec.com/en/proboxer/896699 |archive-date=31 May 2020 |access-date=5 October 2022 |website=BoxRec}}}}
|hometown1=Watford, England
|height1={{height|ft=5|in=11}}
|weight1= 177.6 lbs
|age1={{age in years and months|19 June 1993|13 May 2023}}
|style1=Orthodox
|recognition1=MFB cruiserweight champion
|fighter2=Joe Fournier
|nickname2="The Billionaire"
|record2= 9–0–0–1 (9 KOs)
|hometown2=Hounslow, England
|height2={{height|ft=6|in=1}}{{Cite web |title=BoxRec: Joe Fournier |url=https://boxrec.com/en/box-pro/736593 |archive-url= |archive-date=|access-date=10 March 2023 |website=BoxRec}}
|weight2= 179+1/2 lbs
|age2={{age in years and months|23 January 1983|13 May 2023}}
|style2=Orthodox
|recognition2=Former WBA International light-heavyweight champion
|result=Originally a win via 2nd-round KO by KSI but overturned to a no contest due to accidental elbow strike
}}
MF & DAZN: X Series 007 featured KSI vs Joe Fournier, which was a cruiserweight MF–professional crossover boxing match contested between English Internet personality KSI and English businessman and professional boxer Joe Fournier for the MFB cruiserweight title. The bout took place at Wembley Arena, in London, England on 13 May 2023.{{Cite web |last=DAZN |date=22 March 2023 |title=KSI vs. Joe Fournier headlines MF & DAZN: X Series 007 in May |url=https://www.dazn.com/en-US/news/boxing/ksi-vs-joe-fournier-headlines-mf-dazn-x-series-007-in-may/1de098aw48iuk1c5kamk8sbcql |website=DAZN}} The fight reportedly sold 300,000 PPV buys.{{Citation |title="Tommy Fury BEATS KSI!" 🔥 Gareth A.Davies & Ade Oladipo preview KSI v TOMMY FURY! | date=17 May 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuckSpRXQfI |access-date=2023-05-17 |language=en}}
Background
On 4 October 2022, Joe Fournier posted a video on his Instagram page calling out Jake Paul, Logan Paul and KSI for not fighting 'real boxers'.{{Cite web |last=Fournier |first=Joe |date=4 October 2022 |title=I've been sitting down watching all this nonsense with this YOUTUBE boxing. |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CjTFpszIxo3/ |website=Instagram}} KSI opted choose MMA fighter Dillon Danis as his opponent for MF & DAZN: X Series 004.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-20 |title=KSI vs. Dillon Danis boxing match to take place Jan. 14 in London |url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2022/11/boxing-news-ksi-vs-dillon-danis-set-for-jan-14-in-london |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=MMA Junkie |language=en-US}} Fournier however, was scheduled to face Tony Christodoulou on the undercard with Fournier acting as the replacement fighter in the case that Danis were to withdraw.{{Cite web |last=Robson |first=Shay |date=17 December 2022 |title=Joe Fournier ready to fight KSI if Danis pulls out of 2023 bout |url=https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/joe-fournier-ready-to-fight-ksi-if-danis-pulls-out-of-2023-bout-2013570/ |website=Dexerto}} Unfortunately, Christodoulou failed an MRI scan thus canceling Fournier's bout on 14 January. On 4 January, Danis withdrew from the bout and was replaced by YouTuber FaZe Temperrr instead of Fournier due to Temperrr being a southpaw.{{Cite web |last=Corby |first=Donagh |date=13 January 2023 |title=EXCLUSIVE: KSI explains why he chose FaZe Temperrr to replace Dillon Danis |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/boxing/ksi-faze-temperrr-boxing-fight-28943631 |website=Mirror Fighting}} After KSI defeated Temperrrr, he and Fournier shared a stare down after the pair verbally agreed to face each other in May.{{Cite web |last=Sky Sports |date=15 January 2023 |title=KSI reiterated his desire to fight Jake Paul after a knock-out victory over FaZe Temperrr at Wembley Arena, although looks set to take on Joe Fournier ahead of any potential clash. |url=https://www.skysports.com/boxing/news/12040/12787314/ksi-calls-out-jake-paul-for-future-fight-after-knock-out-win-over-faze-temperrr-at-wembley-arena |website=Sky Sports}}
On 22 March, it was announced that KSI would face Fournier on 13 May at Wembley Arena in London, England. KSI defeated Fournier via KO in the 2nd round but was later overturned as a no contest after review shows KSI striking Fournier with his elbow.{{Cite web |last=Happy Punch |date=19 May 2023 |title=KSI vs Joe Fournier has been overturned to a 'No Decision' by the PBA |url=https://twitter.com/HappyPunchPromo/status/1659562002451251200 |website=Twitter}}
Controversies
= KSI–Fournier elbow knockout =
During the second round, KSI threw a right hook that missed, causing his elbow to strike Fournier, knocking him unconscious.{{Cite web |date=13 May 2023 |title=Controversy erupts as YouTube star KSI knocks out professional boxer Joe Fournier with illegal elbow |url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/boxing/controversy-erupts-as-youtube-star-ksi-knocks-out-professional-boxer-joe-fournier-with-illegal-elbow/news-story/dd81ab3e027fecebc449f907b96cbc29 |website=Fox Sports}} After the bout concluded, Fournier stated that he would appeal the decision.{{Cite web |last= |date=13 May 2023 |title=Joe Fournier blasts KSI, Misfits Boxing, plans to appeal 'disgusting' knockout call |url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2023/5/13/23722817/joe-fournier-blasts-ksi-misfits-boxing-plans-to-appeal-disgusting-knockout-call |website=MMA Fighting}} On 15 May, the Professional Boxing Association (PBA) called for both fighters to make their cases and will be conducting a review with a decision to be made by 19 May at the latest.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Michael |date=15 May 2023 |title=Joe Fournier officially appeals KSI elbow knockout as PBA commission confirm they will conduct review |url=https://talksport.com/sport/boxing/1425196/joe-fournier-appeals-ksi-elbow-knockout/ |website=TalkSport}} On 19 May, the PBA officially overturned the victory and was ruled as a no contest.{{Cite web |date=19 May 2023 |title=KSI win over Fournier overturned... fight ruled 'No Contest' |url=https://www.tmz.com/2023/05/19/ksi-win-overturned-joe-fournier-fight-ruled-no-contest-after-elbow/ |website=TMZ}}
= ViruZz illegal substance =
On 4 August, it was announced that after an investigation conducted by the PBA, Spanish YouTuber ViruZz had tested positive for illegal substance use.{{Cite web |last=Glaze |first=Virginia |date=4 August 2023 |title=ViruZz allegedly used steroids to win bout against DK Money |url=https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/viruzz-allegedly-used-steroids-to-win-bout-against-dk-money-2237629/ |website=Dexerto}} On the 7th of August, the PBA announced that ViruZz has received a two year suspension and will be fined £8,000. The bout was overturned and was ruled as a no contest.{{Cite web |last=Ayora |first=Víctor |date=7 August 2023 |title=ViruZz, sancionado dos años y a una multa de 8000 libras por dopaje |url=https://esports.as.com/bonus/influencers/ViruZz-sancionado-multa-libras-dopaje_0_1708929096.html |website=eSports}}
Fight card
| class="toccolours" style="font-size: 85%;"
|+ ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;" |Weight class ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;" | ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;" |vs ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;" | ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;" |Method ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;" |Round ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;" |Time ! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;" |Notes |
| colspan="8" style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Main Card (PPV) |
|---|
| Cruiserweight
|KSI (c) |vs. | align="center" |NC | align="center" |2/6 |1:26 |{{Ref|KSI vs Fournier|Note 1}} |
| Light heavyweight
|Deji Olatunji |def. | align="center" | UD | align="center" |4 | | |
| Cruiserweight
|Anthony Taylor |def. |Salt Papi | align="center" | UD | align="center" |3 | | |
| Middleweight
|def. |Tennessee Thresh | align="center" | UD | align="center" |3 | |{{Ref|Paigey vs Thresh|Note 2}} |
| Cruiserweight
|ViruZz |vs. |DK Money | align="center" |{{abbr|NC|No contest}} | align="center" |2/4 |2:59 |{{Ref|ViruZz vs Money|Note 3}} |
| Middleweight
|Little Bellsy |def. |Lil Kymchii | align="center" | UD | align="center" |4 | |{{Ref|Bellsy vs Kymchii|Note 4}} |
| colspan="8" style="background-color: #ccccff;" | Happy Punch Preliminary Card |
| Super-heavyweight
|WingsOfRedemption |def. | align="center" | {{abbr|TKO|Technical knockout}} | align="center" |2/3 |0:29 |{{Ref|Wings vs Boogie 1|Note 5}}, {{Ref|Wings vs Boogie 2|6}} |
| Welterweight
|Unbaer |def. |Corn | align="center" | {{abbr|SD|Split decision}} | align="center" |3 | |{{Ref|Corn vs Unbear|Note 7}} |
| Heavyweight
|Luis Nestor |def. |Callum King | align="center" | UD | align="center" |3 | |{{Ref|Nestor vs King|Note 8}} |
| Light heavyweight
|Halal Ham |def. |Zuckles | align="center" | {{abbr|UD|Unanimous decision}} | align="center" | 3 | |{{Ref|Ham vs Zuckles 1|Note 9}}, {{Ref|Ham vs Zuckles 2|10}} |
{{Efn|Luis Nestor was originally scheduled to face Archie King but withdrew after King failed an MRI scan.{{Cite web |last=King |first=Archie |date=4 October 2022 |title=Fight isn't happening on Saturday |url=https://twitter.com/ArchHimself/status/1656356124621168640 |website=Twitter}}}}
{{note|KSI vs Fournier|Note 1|For MFB cruiserweight title}}
{{note|Cakey vs Thresh|Note 2|Cakey and Thresh's professional debut}}
{{note|ViruZz vs Money|Note 3|ViruZz's professional debut}}
{{note|Bellsy vs Kymchii|Note 4|Bellsy and Kymchii's professional debut}}
{{note|Wings vs Boogie 1|Note 5|1 minute rounds}}
{{note|Wings vs Boogie 2|Note 6|Exhibition bout}}
{{note|Corn vs Unbear|Note 7|Exhibition bout}}
{{note|Nestor vs King|Note 8|Exhibition bout}}
{{note|Ham vs Zuckles|Note 9|Exhibition bout}}
{{note|Ham vs King|Note 10|Ham's identity was revealed on the night and was marketed as a mystery opponent}}
Broadcasting
| class="wikitable"
! rowspan="2" |Country/Region ! colspan="4" |Broadcasters |
| Free
!PPV |
|---|
| United Kingdom (Host)
| rowspan="15" align="center" | YouTube |{{NA}} | rowspan="14" colspan="2" align="center" | DAZN PPV |
| United States
|{{NA}} |
| Canada
|{{NA}} |
| Ireland
|{{NA}} |
| Australia
|{{NA}} |
| New Zealand
|{{NA}} |
| Netherlands
|{{NA}} |
| Mexico
|{{NA}} |
| Brazil
|{{NA}} |
| France
|{{NA}} |
| Sweden
|{{NA}} |
| Norway
|{{NA}} |
| Finland
|{{NA}} |
| Denmark
|{{NA}} |
| Worldwide
|{{N/A}} |{{N/A}} |align="center" | DAZN |
Notes
See also
References
{{reflist}}
{{Primary sources references section}}
External links
{{KSI}}
{{Misfits Boxing}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:KSI, Fournier}}
Category:2023 in YouTube boxing
Category:2023 in sport in London
Category:Boxing matches involving KSI
Category:Crossover YouTube boxing matches
Category:May 2023 sports events in the United Kingdom