After all the hype and trash talk, KSI managed to brutally KO Joe Fournier in the second round of their fight on Saturday, though the result is under question due to KSI using his elbow to deliver the finishing blow (which the referee completely missed).
Here’s a closer look:
I respect boxing too much to respect what that was. If that was indeed a real boxing match it will be ruled a no contest or disqualification.
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 13, 2023
Whether or not the illegal elbow was accidental or not has started a heated debate, but regardless, Joe Fournier claims the result is not valid:
Joe Fournier’s immediate reaction to his loss vs. KSI‼️😬
[@fredpdbeck] pic.twitter.com/jvimPw1Vh9
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) May 13, 2023
KSI has since responded to the controversy, acknowledging that he did indeed KO Fournier with his elbow, but that it was accidental and wouldn’t have changed the result:
I worked very hard for this fight and had an intense and grueling camp. There’s no better feeling than being in that ring and having my hand raised in front of my loyal and amazing fans who I appreciate so much.
Unfortunately the victory which was inevitable no matter what, is…
— ksi (@KSI) May 14, 2023
“I worked very hard for this fight and had an intense and grueling camp. There’s no better feeling than being in that ring and having my hand raised in front of my loyal and amazing fans who I appreciate so much.
Unfortunately the victory which was inevitable no matter what, is tarnished and I hate that. It sucks! After landing my overhand he was pretty much out on his feet and I went for a short right hook as Joe clinched me and fell into me. I landed that hook and my glove made contact but appears to have been followed by unintentional contact with my forearm. I’m gutted that it’s not as clean a win as I wanted and it feels like it diminishes my hard work with my trainers.
Either way I hope you enjoyed the show and appreciate the support. Sorry to all the fans disappointed with it. No one is more so than me.”
In fairness to KSI, he was absolutely battering Fournier up to that point so he’s probably correct that he would have clinched the W in the end. Still, rules are rules and you can’t be winning boxing matches by elbowing your opponent unconscious, can you?
Anyway, he probably won’t be disqualified because it’s his event and he’s paying everyone, so I guess he’ll carry on walking around and calling himself the best boxer in the world who never loses. Hopefully Tommy Fury can shut him up when they square off next, as was teased at the end of the night when they came face-to-face:
KSI & Tommy Fury facing off in the ring 🥊
The British duo look set to fight next 🍿#KSIFournier @MF_DAZNXSeries
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 13, 2023
For the YouTuber facing 20 years in prison after he intentionally crashed his plane for views, click HERE. Worth it?
