Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

KSI vs Logan Paul rematch will be ‘most watched fight this year’, says Eddie Hearn

‘Madness, total madness. I don’t know what’s going to happen’

Adam Hamdani
Wednesday 18 September 2019 16:50 BST
Comments
Trailer for KSI vs Logan Paul boxing rematch

KSI’s rematch with Logan Paul is, whether you like it or not, one of the most highly anticipated fights of the year.

In terms of rematches, it sits right up there with Anthony Joshua vs Andy Ruiz II.

The Los Angeles press conference of the two stars has amassed more than eight million views on YouTube alone, numbers that the biggest and best fighters can only dream of.

After agreeing to the terms of their rematch in the professional ranks just a couple of weeks ago, the boxing world has stopped and spoken about it at every possible chance: whether that’s in disapproval or not, everyone has an opinion.

Two of the top four heavyweights in world boxing in Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury think it’s ‘good for the sport’, while the likes Deontay Wilder and Chris Eubank Jr have predicted the outcome. The fight is so big, that promoter Eddie Hearn believes it will be the most viewed of 2019.

“Seven hundred thousand people watched the press conference live, just on their YouTube streams,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

“I think it’s up to 10million people have watched the press conference now. This fight is probably going to be the most-watched fight of the year.

“It is crazy, but they are at least respecting the code. They’ve turned pro, no head guards, 10oz gloves. I don’t think they know what they have let themselves in for on that one.”

“Madness, total madness. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Staples Center is going to be crazy and hopefully we can grow the sport and keep these fans in the sport, and show them some greatness while we’re there with Devin and Billy.”

Hearn has quite the task at hand, keeping a huge audience interested in watching boxing, and not to just tune in to see their YouTube idols.

“They’ve trained hard, they’re in good shape, they can fight, but now the responsibility on us is to make sure that we showcase great boxing to this new audience,” said Hearn.

“Even if we can keep one per cent, it’s great for boxing.

“That’s why Devin Haney, Billy Joe Saunders are probably going to be on the undercard as well, because it’s one thing attracting millions of new fans to the sport, can we keep them? That’s the new challenge.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in