Derek Chisora has been spotted trialling a tag-team boxing fight in training after KSI introduced the new concept.
YouTube star KSI has been making groundbreaking new concepts in the sport of boxing as part of his new influencer series with promotional banner Misfits. The high-profile Briton has been headlining events with fights against the likes of FaZe Temperrr and rapper Swarmz as he works his way towards a mega-fight with Jake Paul.
Earlier this month it was announced that KSI would now introduce a new concept to boxing where two fighters fight on teams in a format branded as 'tag-team'. The concept is often used in wrestling promotions such as WWE but has previously been highly unlikely to be sanctioned by professional boxing boards.
However streaming service DAZN and KSI announced the first tag-team match for their next Misfits Boxing event, which will feature rivals BDave and Luis Pineda teaming up to take on Canadian comedian Kyle 'Stromedy' Godfrey and Austin Sprinz, who are also known as the 'Fantastic Two' online.
Ahead of the format's launch as part of the Misfits Boxing card in Manchester next month, British heavyweight Chisora has been spotted trialling the concept with ex-Love Island star and Misfits regular Idris Virgo. Footage shows Virgo going at it in a fast-paced war with his rival before Chisora is tagged in by touching hands with 'WAR' who is located on the side of the canvas.
Chisora then climbs over the ropes and comes flying in to challenge Virgo who remains in the ring and the fighting commences with a new opponent. The referee prevents a fighter from being punched while tagging in their partner but it remains unclear exactly how the format will be put in place in competitive action.
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Despite being a familiar concept with those who are a fan of wrestling, many have criticised the introduction of the plan to boxing and believe it tarnishes its legacy and brings up several safety doubts. KSI has already broken a record having fought both Pineda and Swarmz on one night in short-form fights last August.
Now 'The Nightmare' has come out in defence of the concept and insists critics are irrelevant after he received praise from DAZN. "Whenever there's change these people always just cry," KSI said after the concept had been announced. "Keep crying. DAZN are very happy, they're like, 'This is one of the best deals we've ever made.'"
