KSI vs Logan Paul rematch: YouTube stars 'agree' to lucrative second fight after millions watch draw in Manchester
Next money-spinning bout could be held in New York or Las Vegas in February, commentators say
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Who would have thought it?
A boxing match nicknamed the “biggest event in internet history” has ended in a draw – and a mega money-spinning rematch has already been agreed.
The six-round white-collar bout between YouTube superstars KSI and Logan Paul ended with honours even at Manchester Arena on Saturday night. Before they even left the ring, both vloggers said they would do it all over again.
“The story continues,” said Paul.
It could be said to have turned out nicely for all concerned, some commentators have suggested.
The fight was to settle an online rivalry between 25-year-old Briton KSI – who boasts 19.4 million subscribers – and US star Paul, 23, who has 18.2 million.
It was watched by 20,000 people inside the venue and millions more online, with many coughing up £7.50 for the full pay-per-view experience.
But after a tightly-fought contestant – complete, at one point, with a WWE-style ring-invasion by Paul’s brother Jake – the three referees judged the bout a draw.
Speaking after the decision, KSI – real name Olajide Olatunji – said "I think there's only one thing to do. I think we have to have a rematch. Let's do it. That was fun."
Paul agreed: "I think it's what the people want. Let's give them a mother***ing rematch...I feel like I won that fight, but it doesn’t matter. What happened, happened. The rematch is going to be f***ing crazy.”
On Sunday morning, KSI took to Twitter to comment once more.
“I should have won that, lets be honest,” he wrote. “He had the first 2 rounds on me because I started slow and that was about it. If it was 12 rounds he would have lost. Either way, it was a good fight.”
The rematch has been pencilled in for February in the US, sources suggest, although a venue is yet to be decided. The smart money may be on Las Vegas or New York. Some commentators are already predicting that, if that ends in a draw, a third and final decider may be held in mega-rich Dubai.
It also appears even the lower card fights will go again at the next event. After self-described comedy gamer Deji lost to Jake Paul in one of the night’s earlier fights, he tweeted: “Just wanna congratulate @jakepaul on the win. Hope you can be a man and honour the rematch.”
But many fans were left somewhat disillusioned by the perceived anti-climax of the main event.
"The cynic in me says the refs will have been told to call it a draw to hype the rematch,” tweeted one watcher.
Another was perhaps more succinct. “A draw,” posted vlogger Edwin Burgos. “WTF.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments