More YouTubers may be fighting on the KSI vs Logan Paul 2 undercard
imPaulsive, KSI vs Logan Paul - YouTubeYouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI are set to touch gloves on November 9 in one of the net’s most highly-anticipated boxing rematches yet – but boxing promoter Eddie Hearn is making a big change in comparison to last year’s fight.
While the YouTubers’ initial bout in August 2018 featured an undercard full of social media stars, this time, the grudge match is “going pro,” with Logan Paul and KSI being the only internet celebs featured in the event.
Hearn explained his reasoning for the change as a means to bring fresh eyes to the historic sport of boxing, claiming that the rematch “is a chance for boxing to bring in new fans …to show them the greatness of our sport.”
However, Hearn may have changed his tune to his “no YouTubers” undercard, as stated during an episode of Logan Paul’s ‘imPaulsive’ podcast where he appeared to entertain the idea of featuring other social media celebs – if they’re up to snuff.
“It’s not that I’m against YouTubers on the card, it’s just that when I was speaking to the boxing media, I’m sort of saying, ‘This isn’t gonna be a YouTuber event. This is a YouTube fight, but they’re pro fighters,’” Hearn explained. “…it’s not that I’m ruling out other fights on the card – that’s a conversation to be had with us and DAZN and you guys, as well.”
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Hearn also addressed concerns from Jake Paul, who uploaded a video begging to be featured both in the press conference and the undercard – but it looks like organizers are hoping for the Team 10 co-founder to fight in a separate event, altogether.
“It’s just about strategy moving forward,” Hearn continued. “We can’t just make our business like, ‘Oh yeah, everybody – do you wanna go? Do you wanna go?’ There’s got to be strategy, and there’s gotta be skill. …I probably want you to fight a pro. A very limited pro.”
Although Jake Paul still has his issues with the idea, an official lineup for the undercard remains to be seen – but it doesn’t look like the possibility of other YouTubers fighting on the card is completely out of the question.
KSI vs Logan Paul saw record views across the net – a fact that caught Hearn’s eye in organizing the rematch.
KSI vs Logan Paul 2 will throw down in the Los Angeles Staples Center on November 9, bringing with it a new era of “YouTube boxing” – but exactly how many “YouTubers” will partake in the event is up in the air.