KSI’s Misfits boxing promotion returns PBA licence

The promotion has staged numerous events since 2022, including KSI vs Tommy Fury

Misfits Boxing, the promotion launched by YouTube star KSI, has returned its licence with the Professional Boxing Association (PBA).

The PBA initially claimed on Friday (12 January) that it had suspended Misfits’ licence “in the interest of boxer safety”, accusing the promotion of “clear violations of the PBA’s rules and regulations” and “bringing boxing into disrepute”. Misfits disputed the suggestion that its licence had been revoked, however, with a representative telling The Independent that the promotion had “handed back” its licence.

Misfits later repeated that stance in an official public statement on Saturday (13 January) afternoon and hinted they would be working with a new commission, saying: “ The safety and welfare of all fighters who participate in Misfits Boxing events, is, and will always be, the number one priority for the organisation.

“Misfits Boxing is looking forward to lots of exciting and fresh ideas being implemented in 2024 and of course health and safety will continue to be a top priority. Misfits Boxing will be working with a new commission, however wishes the PBA well for the future.”

The PBA also appeared to row back slightly on their initial position in a conciliatory public statement of their own on Saturday (13 January) afternoon, writing on Twitter/X: “The PBA have worked with @MisfitsBoxing for the last 18 months & they have always held high standards when it comes to boxer safety.

“The PBA have no doubt that these high standards will continue to be implemented. The PBA wishes Misfits Boxing all the very best in their journey.”

Since 2022, Misfits has staged numerous boxing events with the help of Wasserman Boxing, with KSI (real name Olajide Olatunji) headlining several of them. Most recently, the YouTube star fought Tommy Fury – the half-brother of heavyweight champion Tyson – in October.

The performances of both Britons were widely criticised after the fight, which Fury won via decision. The result was in fact changed due to an error on the scorecards, though both the original and amended results had Fury winning.

Five months earlier, the PBA overturned KSI’s knockout win over Joe Fournier due to the YouTuber’s use of an illegal elbow strike.

On the undercard of KSI vs Fury, former mixed martial artist Dillon Danis made his boxing debut against social-media star Logan Paul. Danis attempted a jiu-jitsu choke in the final round, leading security to enter the ring as a brawl broke out between the two Americans. Paul was then declared the winner by disqualification – a result that Danis appealed with the PBA.

Misfits is due to stage an event at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on 20 January, headlined by a fight between TikTok star Ed Matthews and a mystery opponent.

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