KSI, Logan Paul, Salt Papi: the influencers redefining boxing for the TikTok generation

Gloves off: influencers, celebs and TikTok stars are muscling in on the noble art. Photograph: Kellie French/The Observer

Salt Papi, real name Busta Breezie, is a 28-year-old with slick dance moves, a pencil moustache and a mean left hook. He was born in the Philippines, moved to the UK as a teenager, and won fame – and a stage name – with his TikTok videos that parody Salt Bae, the celebrity Turkish chef known for ostentatiously sprinkling salt over meals. That, and videos in which he pretends to be running in slow motion. Papi used to be the “chubby” kid at school – fast food was his jam. Now he’s licking his lips as he dances around a boxing ring in Wembley Arena with Josh Brueckner, a YouTuber and MMA fighter with a cut-glass jaw and abs coming out of his ears.

This is about who can be the most entertaining. Who can talk the talk, walk the walk, and be entertaining along the way

KSI