KSI loses influencer boxing match to Tommy Fury in Manchester

The Hemel Hempstead Youtuber lost on a majority decision.

Author: Luke Reevey / PA writersPublished 15th Oct 2023

While most eyes were glued to the European Championship qualifiers, or looking forward to the Rugby World Cup quarter-final tonight, another major sporting event was underway in Manchester.

The influencer face-off between Hemel Hempstead's KSI and Love Island-star Tommy Fury (brother of heavyweight champion Tyson) at the Manchester Arena.

Fury had recently defeated Jake Paul in Saudi Arabia in February and his win over JJ Olatunji (who goes by his YouTube name 'KSI') extends his record to 10-0 as a professional.

Despite being penalised a point for repeatedly punching the back of KSI's head, Fury was given 57-56 by two judges with a third scoring the contest 57-57 after six rounds.

Speaking to DAZN after the fight, Fury said he is "changing my family's life, fight by fight, I am changing my little daughter's life".

"I said from day one, there will never be another Tyson Fury, I'm just trying to be the best Tommy Fury I can be."

It ended in controversy, however, with KSI calling the decision a "robbery" before punching the wall of the DAZN studio in frustration.

JJ Olatunji was born and raised in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, attending school in Berkhamsted before going full time with his YouTube career.

He has over 24 million subscribers on the platform and is considered to be one of the most influential social media stars.

After the fight, KSI said, "I understand, I'm the YouTuber and you're the boxer, you have to win, I understand."

Earlier in the night, YouTuber Logan Paul was awarded a disqualification win over mixed martial arts fighter Dillon Danis in the final round.