KSI vs Joe Fournier explained

Fight Date:13 May 2023
Fight Name:MF & DAZN: X Series 007
Location:Wembley Arena, London, England
Titles:MFB cruiserweight championship
Fighter1:KSI
Nickname1:The Nightmare
Record1:4–0 (3 KOs)
Hometown1:Watford, England
Weight1:177.6 lbs
Style1:Orthodox
Recognition1:MFB cruiserweight champion
Fighter2:Joe Fournier
Nickname2:The Billionaire
Record2:9–0–0-1 (9 KOs)
Hometown2:Hounslow, England
Height2:[1]
Weight2:179+1/2 lbs
Style2:Orthodox
Recognition2:Former WBA International light-heavyweight champion
Result:Originally a win via 2nd-round KO by KSI but overturned to a no contest due to accidental elbow strike

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.[2] The fight reportedly sold 300,000 PPV buys.

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'.[3] KSI opted choose MMA fighter Dillon Danis as his opponent for MF & DAZN: X Series 004.[4] 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.[5] 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.[6] After KSI defeated Temperrrr, he and Fournier shared a stare down after the pair verbally agreed to face each other in May.[7]

On 22 March, it was announced that KSI would face Fournier on 13 May at Wembley Arena in London, England. 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.[8]

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.[10] 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.[11] On 19 May, the PBA officially overturned the victory and was ruled as a no contest.[12]

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.[13] 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.[14]

Fight card

Weight class! style="background:#e6e8fa; color:#000; text-align:center;"
vsMethodRoundTimeNotes
Main Card (PPV)
CruiserweightKSI (c)vs.NC2/61:26
Light heavyweightDeji Olatunjidef.SwarmzUD4
CruiserweightAnthony Taylordef.Salt PapiUD3
MiddleweightPaigey Cakeydef.Tennessee ThreshUD3
CruiserweightViruZzvs.DK Money2/42:59
MiddleweightLittle Bellsydef.Lil KymchiiUD4
Happy Punch Preliminary Card
Super-heavyweightWingsOfRedemptiondef.Boogie29882/30:29,
WelterweightUnbaerdef.Corn3
HeavyweightLuis Nestordef.Callum KingUD3
Light heavyweight Halal Hamdef.Zuckles3,










Broadcasting

Country/RegionBroadcasters
FreeCable TVPPVStream
United Kingdom (Host)YouTube
(Preliminary Card)
DAZN PPV
United States
Canada
Ireland
Australia
New Zealand
Netherlands
Mexico
Brazil
France
Sweden
Norway
Finland
Denmark
WorldwideDAZN

Notes

  1. Web site: BoxRec: Joe Fournier . 10 March 2023 . BoxRec.
  2. Web site: DAZN . 22 March 2023 . KSI vs. Joe Fournier headlines MF & DAZN: X Series 007 in May . DAZN.
  3. Web site: Fournier . Joe . 4 October 2022 . I've been sitting down watching all this nonsense with this YOUTUBE boxing. . Instagram.
  4. Web site: 2022-11-20 . KSI vs. Dillon Danis boxing match to take place Jan. 14 in London . 2022-11-20 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  5. Web site: Robson . Shay . 17 December 2022 . Joe Fournier ready to fight KSI if Danis pulls out of 2023 bout . Dexerto.
  6. Web site: Corby . Donagh . 13 January 2023 . EXCLUSIVE: KSI explains why he chose FaZe Temperrr to replace Dillon Danis . Mirror Fighting.
  7. Web site: Sky Sports . 15 January 2023 . KSI reiterated his desire to fight Jake Paul after a knock-out victory over FaZe Temperrr at Wembley Arena, although looks set to take on Joe Fournier ahead of any potential clash. . Sky Sports.
  8. Web site: Happy Punch . 19 May 2023 . KSI vs Joe Fournier has been overturned to a 'No Decision' by the PBA . Twitter.
  9. Web site: 13 May 2023 . Controversy erupts as YouTube star KSI knocks out professional boxer Joe Fournier with illegal elbow . Fox Sports.
  10. Web site: 13 May 2023 . Joe Fournier blasts KSI, Misfits Boxing, plans to appeal 'disgusting' knockout call . MMA Fighting.
  11. Web site: Benson . Michael . 15 May 2023 . Joe Fournier officially appeals KSI elbow knockout as PBA commission confirm they will conduct review . TalkSport.
  12. Web site: 19 May 2023 . KSI win over Fournier overturned... fight ruled 'No Contest' . TMZ.
  13. Web site: Glaze . Virginia . 4 August 2023 . ViruZz allegedly used steroids to win bout against DK Money . Dexerto.
  14. Web site: Ayora . Víctor . 7 August 2023 . ViruZz, sancionado dos años y a una multa de 8000 libras por dopaje . eSports.

See also