KSI vs Joe Fournier
2023 crossover boxing match
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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.[3] The fight reportedly sold 300,000 PPV buys.[4]
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| Date | 13 May 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Venue | Wembley Arena, London, England | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Title(s) on the line | MFB cruiserweight championship | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Tale of the tape | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Result | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Originally a win via 2nd-round KO by KSI but overturned to a no contest due to accidental elbow strike | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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'.[‡ 1] KSI opted choose MMA fighter Dillon Danis as his opponent for MF & DAZN: X Series 004.[5] 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.[6] 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.[7] After KSI defeated Temperrrr, he and Fournier shared a stare down after the pair verbally agreed to face each other in May.[8]
On 22 March, it was announced that KSI would face Fournier on 13 May at Wembley Arena in London, England.[3] 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.[9][10]
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.[9] After the bout concluded, Fournier stated that he would appeal the decision.[11] 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.[12] On 19 May, the PBA officially overturned the victory and was ruled as a no contest.[13]
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.[14] 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.[15]
Fight card
| Weight class | vs | Method | Round | Time | Notes | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main Card (PPV) | |||||||
| Cruiserweight | KSI (c) | vs. | Joe Fournier | NC | 2/6 | 1:26 | Note 1 |
| Light heavyweight | Deji Olatunji | def. | Swarmz | UD | 4 | ||
| Cruiserweight | Anthony Taylor | def. | Salt Papi | UD | 3 | ||
| Middleweight | Paigey Cakey | def. | Tennessee Thresh | UD | 3 | ||
| Cruiserweight | ViruZz | vs. | DK Money | NC | 2/4 | 2:59 | |
| Middleweight | Little Bellsy | def. | Lil Kymchii | UD | 4 | ||
| Happy Punch Preliminary Card | |||||||
| Super-heavyweight | WingsOfRedemption | def. | Boogie2988 | TKO | 2/3 | 0:29 | Note 2, 3 |
| Welterweight | Unbaer | def. | Corn | SD | 3 | Note 4 | |
| Heavyweight | Luis Nestor | def. | Callum King | UD | 3 | Note 5 | |
| Light heavyweight | Halal Ham | def. | Zuckles | UD | 3 | Note 6, 7 | |
^Note 1 For MFB cruiserweight title
^Note 2 1 minute rounds
^Note 3 Exhibition bout
^Note 4 Exhibition bout
^Note 5 Exhibition bout
^Note 6 Exhibition bout
^Note 7 Ham's identity was revealed on the night and was marketed as a mystery opponent
Broadcasting
| Country/Region | Broadcasters | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | Cable TV | PPV | Stream | |
| United Kingdom (Host) | YouTube (Preliminary Card) |
N/a | DAZN PPV | |
| United States | N/a | |||
| Canada | N/a | |||
| Ireland | N/a | |||
| Australia | N/a | |||
| New Zealand | N/a | |||
| Netherlands | N/a | |||
| Mexico | N/a | |||
| Brazil | N/a | |||
| France | N/a | |||
| Sweden | N/a | |||
| Norway | N/a | |||
| Finland | N/a | |||
| Denmark | N/a | |||
| Worldwide | N/a | N/a | DAZN | |