Joe Fournier has officially appealed his controversial elbow KO loss against KSI with the fight result now under review.
YouTube star KSI made his latest appearance in the boxing ring at Misfits 007 when he took on ex-professional boxer Fournier, and picked up a second round KO win. However footage showed when the moment was replayed that KSI's final winning shot that dropped the nightclub owner was with his elbow.
Fournier was left extremely upset after the final bell and accused his rival of cheating having failed to beat the referee's count following the damaging blow. The British star implored the Professional Boxing Association, who sanctioned the fight, and confirmed he would appeal the decision in an attempt to get the result overturned.
And in a statement recorded from the organisation, the PBA confirmed: "We have invited representations from each contestant and their representatives before the matter is reviewed in line with our rules and procedures. We are also seeking legal counsel as to the issues involved to ensure all matters are dealt with properly and fairly while seeking to uphold the integrity of boxing.
"Any decision or otherwise on the matter will be made available to the contestants on or before 4pm GMT Friday 19th May 2023. No further comment will be made until after that time."
A large portion of fans and fighters who watched the fight suggested that the main event should be overturned to a no contest including KSI's bitter rival Jake Paul. Despite the shot, 'The Nightmare' was controlling the fight and won the first round, before rocking his rival with a stiff overhand right which started the barrage including the elbow.
What did you make of KSI's KO of Joe Fournier? Let us know in the comments section below
KSI initially suggested that he was uncertain if an elbow had delivered the final blow to his rival, and faced off with new rival Tommy Fury over a potential showdown. However he has since released his own statement on Twitter, which read: "I worked very hard for this fight and had an intense and gruelling camp. There’s no better feeling than being in that ring and having my hand raised in front of my loyal and amazing fans who I appreciate so much
"Unfortunately the victory which was inevitable no matter what, is tarnished and I hate that. It sucks! After landing my overhand he was pretty much out on his feet and I went for a short right hook as Joe clinched me and fell into me. I landed that hook and my glove made contact but appears to have been followed by unintentional contact with my forearm.
"I’m gutted that it’s not as clean a win as I wanted and it feels like it diminishes my hard work with my trainers. Either way I hope you enjoyed the show and appreciate the support. Sorry to all the fans disappointed with it. No one is more so than me."
