Anthony Joshua has backed KSI on his quest to become the leading YouTube boxing sensation.
Content creator KSI - real name JJ Olatunji - has relaunched his career in the boxing ring after enjoying success in the worlds of music and YouTube. He defeated two fighters, Swarmz and professional boxer Luis Alcaraz Pineda, in one night on his return to the ring back in August and is looking to make his next exploit in January.
KSI is eyeing a step-up in competition next year to try and build towards the YouTube mega-fight between himself and Jake Paul which the pair have verbally agreed will take place at Wembley Stadium. And two-time world champion Joshua believes KSI should be given the chance to continue to prove his greatness inside the boxing ring.
“I’m a massive fan of his as well [KSI], well done to everything he’s doing, he’s working hard," Joshua said during an interview with DAZN when discussing the rise of YouTube boxing. "I know we look at the final product like when he goes to fight or his music, but there’s a lot of planning, execution, time and energy that goes into what he’s doing, so credit to him.
“KSI is doing some of the things I would love to do [with music], so I really admire his work rate and what he’s achieving. It’s respectable once you’re doing it. When someone has walked the path and they can talk the talk and walk the walk, you have to let them flourish in their chosen path.
"I’m not saying he’s the next Floyd Mayweather, but let’s give the man a chance to be great - whether it’s music, acting, boxing, football. He’s doing it all and he’s trying to find his greatness, I’m supporting him on that quest."
Who wins if the pair do meet - KSI or Jake Paul? Let us know in the comments section below
KSI has previously voiced his support for Joshua, particularly after his recent rematch defeat to Oleksandr Usyk which sees the heavyweight star frozen out of the world title picture for the first time in several years. Meanwhile KSI is thriving and recently launched his own Misfits Boxing promotional label in partnership with Joshua's fight broadcaster DAZN.
Despite making strides in the boxing world, KSI has only had three fights as a professional with his first outing coming in a split decision rematch win over Logan Paul after the rivals fought to a draw in a white-collar clash. The 29-year-old has harshly rated his boxing skills as a two out of ten currently but is eyeing further improvements to reach the pinnacle.
"Out of 10, I'll probably say a two, I don't know a lot," he told Mens Health. "I think my boxing knowledge is so minute. I think there's so much more I need to learn, but I think I've made huge strides. I think when I faced Logan, I was a zero."
