By Shaun Murphy-
In a showdown that blurred the lines between professional boxing and the world of social media, Tommy Fury secured a majority decision victory over KSI in a closely contested battle.
The matchup, set against the backdrop of a growing trend of crossover fights, pitted two social media influencers in a six-round cruiserweight contest at Manchester’s AO Arena.
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Fury won a unanimous decision, after a majority decision win was rectified following erroneous scores by the judges which read 57-56, 57-56 and 57-57. Those scores were eventually rectified, so that all three scores read 57-56 in Fury’s favour, after the mistake was spotted
This unique boxing spectacle didn’t adhere to traditional standards. The bout was not licensed by the British Boxing Board of Control, the governing body responsible for overseeing the sport in the United Kingdom.
The reason? KSI, whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji, lacks a professional boxing license in the UK.
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The absence of this official license only added to the debate surrounding this fight. While both Fury and KSI showcased their heart and determination, their limitations as professional fighters were evident from the opening bell.
The clash saw constant grappling, and both fighters struggled to land significant punches.
It was the 24-year-old Tommy Fury who ultimately emerged victorious, edging out KSI in a majority decision. One judge scored the fight 57-57, while the other two judges scored it 57-56 in Fury’s favor.
KSI Cries Foul, Calls for a Rematch
KSI, known for his colorful presence in both the social media and professional boxing scenes, immediately expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome.
He decried the result as “a robbery” and called for a rematch, pointing out the visual damage he inflicted on Fury during the fight. The 30-year-old YouTube sensation remarked, “Look at your face, look at your eyes. I’m the YouTuber, and you’re the boxer. I understand, you have to win.”
Tommy Fury beats KSI in unanimous decision
Fury, on the other hand, brushed off KSI’s claims, labeling him “a sore loser.” Fury made it clear that he was “done with crossover boxing,” leaving many to ponder the future of such exhibitions.
A Controversial Event Amidst a Star-Studded Turnout
The crossover boxing spectacle garnered significant attention, with the fight held in front of a capacity crowd of 20,000 at Manchester’s AO Arena. Organizers had hoped to achieve around a million pay-per-view buys, a feat that would reward both fighters with seven-figure sums.
While the spectacle proved to be a commercial success and garnered an impressive turnout, it faced mixed reactions from boxing purists and fighters alike.
Hardcore boxing fans felt disheartened by the immense hype and attention surrounding the event, with former world champion Carl Froch voicing his concerns about its potential impact on the credibility of the sport.
The event highlighted the undeniable interest in crossover boxing matches involving social media influencers, even if it did not align with the expectations of traditional boxing enthusiasts.
The arena was packed long before the main event, with the entire card capitalizing on the popularity of its fighters within the realm of social media.
One illustration of the appeal of crossover boxing was provided by American Alex Wassabi, who boasts more than three million Instagram followers, surpassing even unified heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
The presence of celebrities, including promoter Eddie Hearn, super-middleweight Chris Eubank Jr., ex-England footballer Jill Scott, rapper Aitch, broadcaster Louis Theroux, and Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah, added to the star-studded atmosphere of the evening.
WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who was present to support his younger brother Tommy, referred to the event as “beautiful for the game.” When asked about the possibility of participating in an influencer card, the champion cryptically replied, “you never know.”
The fight itself proved to be an intense and at times unconventional encounter. KSI, who first gained fame on YouTube before venturing into professional boxing, began the match with a straight right hand that appeared to stun Fury. A raucous AO Arena erupted in response.
However, the 24-year-old Tommy Fury’s tactics did not sit well with KSI, as he caught the back of KSI’s head in an illegal move, sparking the first signs of controversy.
In the second round, Fury found himself in further trouble as he was deducted a point for a second illegal shot to the back of KSI’s head. The early exchanges were marked by KSI’s greater stamina and a flurry of uppercuts and overhead rights.
Despite the controversies, the fight continued with both fighters coming close to unloading powerful right hands.
The third round saw KSI ducking and dodging as Fury began to impose his size advantage and find his range.
The fight turned intense, with several clinches as both fighters sought an advantage. In the fifth round, KSI took the fight inside, and the closely contested battle continued.
In the final round, KSI attempted to keep Fury at arm’s length and celebrated his performance from his corner. However, the judges’ scorecards revealed a split decision. Two judges scored the contest 57-56 in favor of Tommy Fury, while the third judge scored it a draw at 57-57.
For KSI, who had previously won as a professional against Logan Paul and held a record of five wins, one draw, one no-contest, and now one defeat, the outcome of this fight remained a point of contention.
A Battle of Opinions: Good or Bad for Boxing?
The crossover fight between Tommy Fury and KSI has fueled a significant debate within the boxing community. Critics argue that such events, which prioritize social media followings over boxing skill, could erode the sport’s credibility.
In contrast, supporters suggest that these crossover fights serve as a bridge between professional boxing and a new generation of fans who are more accustomed to digital platforms.
The massive turnout and commercial success indicate a growing interest in such events, driven by the popularity of the fighters involved.
With boxing legends, stars, and influencers sharing the same platform, crossover boxing events like this have demonstrated the sport’s ability to evolve and adapt to changing times. While traditionalists may decry these matchups, it’s evident that they attract a different, younger demographic and bring unique entertainment value to the sport.
Conclusion: A Crossover Conundrum
The Fury vs. KSI fight presented a captivating, albeit controversial, spectacle that showcased the evolution of the sport in the digital age. Whether it’s a boon or bane for boxing remains a matter of perspective.
While some argue that these events cast shadows on the sport’s authenticity, others contend that they represent a necessary evolution. With the excitement and attention garnered by the Tommy Fury vs. KSI fight, it is evident that crossover boxing is here to stay.
Ultimately, the debate will continue to rage on, and the line between traditional boxing and social media spectacle will remain blurred as the sport evolves to embrace new audiences and preferences.
The outcome of this fight may have left questions unanswered, but it has certainly ignited a fiery discussion about the future of boxing and its place in the digital era.
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