KSI’s Misfits banner has British boxing chiefs ‘concerned’ but YouTuber expected to try for licence for Jake Paul fight
THE British Boxing Board of Control are “concerned” by KSI’s Misfits Boxing banner – but expect the YouTuber to apply for a professional license.
The social media, rap and celebrity boxing star launched Misfits last year to provide a home for crossover bouts.
GettyKSI is expected to apply for a professional boxing license in Britain[/caption]
They are not sanctioned by the BBBofC and are instead overseen by the Professional Boxing Association in white collar-stye fights.
Misfits is promoted by experienced brothers Kalle and Nisse Sauerland and broadcast by DAZN.
All parties insist medical procedures around the events are stringent but BBBofC general secretary Robert Smith has voiced his fears.
He said on George Groves Boxing Club podcast: “I have spoken to members of Misfits about having a meeting because I am concerned.
“If somebody gets injured it’s boxing, it’s not Misfits boxing, it’s boxing. The first person who’s going to get the phonecall is me.
“The trouble we’ve got is they may not want to come to the Board because they know they won’t get a licence so there’s half the show gone and I fully understand that.
“Let’s just see what they can supply us with and let’s see how we can deal with it. If we’re not happy then we won’t do it but if we’re happy we’ll do it.”
KSI, 29, has now boxed in six bouts, but only one has been professionally sanctioned.
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The first two were in 2018 exhibitions, a win over over Joe Weller, 27, in London and a draw with Logan Paul, 27, at the Manchester Arena.
But KSI beat Paul in their rematch a year later which was sanctioned by the California State Athletic Commission.
KSI’s three wins since then have all been on Misfits and thus not as a pro boxer.
Meanwhile, Paul’s brother Jake, 26, is a 6-1 pro prizefighter having been licensed to box in Florida, LA, Georgia, Ohio and Arizona.
His most recent fight was his first against a recognised boxer and ended in defeat, against Tommy Fury, 23, by split-decision in Saudi Arabia.
The American and KSI still remain linked with a grudge match to finally settle their feud.
But Jake demanded the bout be under the BBBofC if he is to travel to England, leaving Smith expecting KSI to apply for a licence.
He said: “We won’t start looking at it until he applies but I presume that’s coming. But if he’s not good enough he won’t get one, it’s as simple as that.
“Jake Paul has a licence with California, he’s not the best boxer in the world but I don’t think he disgraced himself [against Tommy Fury].
“More than likely there are people in this country with less ability or the same ability [as Paul] have got a licence so therefore you have to consider that.
“He is licensed by an authentic governing body. But so far, KSI, I’ve never had any contact with whatsoever.”
Promoter Kalle Sauerland with KSIMisfits Boxing
