The highly anticipated YouTuber fight between KSI and Logan Paul has provoked a mixed reaction in boxing circles.
Not everybody is happy about the two internet celebrities headlining on Saturday night at the Staples Center, however some have spoken out in support of the event.
Scroll down to see what the world’s top heavyweights have had to say about KSI vs Logan Paul.
Anthony Joshua
Joshua told reporters: “I think it’s sick because you could’ve promoted it from a point of view that’s non-boxing, but getting their licences, no headguards.
“What people have to realise is you have to put all eyes on boxing for us all to thrive.
“KSI and Logan Paul have got a bigger following than me and most of the heavyweights combined.
“So all those eyes are gonna now watch me and my competitors and watch the sport of boxing and it’s gonna rise.
“I always say I’m for it, so good luck to them both.
“I hope they take it serious because they could earn some respect here.
“People look at them like a joke now and they doubt them, but if they take it serious and put on a good performance people might say, ‘Hang on a minute, this weren’t such a bad idea.’”
Deontay Wilder
Wilder told KSI’s trainer Viddal Riley: “I didn’t even see the [first] fight. I can’t really give a strong assessment of it.
“But I did hear about it though.
“It was fascinating to see them promote it and get a lot of fans behind it and stuff like that, I thought that was very impressive.”
Andy Ruiz Jr
Ruiz told AB Boxing News: “Shout out to Logan Paul and Jake Paul, we’re good friends, they came to my birthday party.
“I think it’s a good thing. Logan Paul, he’s good.
“I’m gonna train one time over at his gym, just show him a little bit of stuff so he can kick ass.”
Tyson Fury
Fury told reporters: “I think it’s very good for the sport of boxing.
“For non-sporting people who are very famous in their own right to come to the sport brings new fans and attention.
“Two computer guys are topping the bill at Staples Center with world champions on their undercard.
“Two guys who’ve never had a fight ever before, professionally, in their pro debuts are probably gonna sell out Staples Center.
“It’s fantastic for boxing for sure because they’ve both got millions of followers.
“I wish them both well and I hope they make plenty of money for it because they deserve it. They’ve got more profile than most boxers in the sport anyway.”
Dillian Whyte
Whyte told iFL TV: “it’s amazing because it’s opening up boxing to a whole new market.
“We’re in the age of streaming now, it’s all about YouTube, it’s a great time and it’s good that two guys can bring all these fans.
“Everyone’s complaining about it, I think it’s great, bringing new fans into the game, it’s great.
“I’m glad to see two young men making money and they’re doing it the right way, they’ve got professional licences.”
