British YouTube star KSI will compete in two boxing matches on the same night this Saturday at the O2 Arena in London, England. Firstly against fellow rapper Swarmz, then professional boxer Luis Alcaraz Pineda.
The event underwent much turmoil with dropouts and cancellations. But with just a few days to go, the new-look card is arguably stronger than the original.
DAZN are collaborating with KSI’s Misfits Boxing for this event, launching their new ‘X SERIES’. These fight nights will consist of professional bouts between celebrities and public figures—aiming to bring regulation and professionalism to the world of “influencer boxing”.
The full card and details of each fight are below.
KSI vs. Luis Alcaraz Pineda
The final bout of the night will see KSI face a professional boxer in Luis Alcaraz Pineda. The fight is scheduled for six rounds at cruiserweight (200lbs/91kg).
👀 A first look at @KSI's professional opponent Luis Alcaraz Pineda.#KSISwarmz | @DAZNBoxing | @SauerlandBros pic.twitter.com/KlryAGId0b
— Misfits Boxing (@MisfitsBoxing) August 24, 2022
The original headliner of this event would have seen KSI face long-time rival Alex Wassabi. However, Wassabi dropped out with injuries. This fight was put together on short notice after it was revealed that one of KSI’s original replacements Ivan Nikolov had connections with racist groups.
KSI is currently 1-0 as a professional, having defeated Logan Paul by split decision in 2019. He has been training at London Shootfighters in his time away from the ring and claims to have improved drastically from the wild style he utilized in the past.
Pineda, 23, is currently 2-5 as a professional. Typically a super welterweight, he has been knocked out in all but one of his losses.
FaZe Temperr vs Slim Albaher
Another replacement fight sees FaZe Temperr face Slim Albaher. Temperr was originally booked to fight rapper Blueface, but he has since pulled out. This bout is scheduled for four rounds in the light heavyweight (175lbs/79kg) division.
Temperr made his boxing debut back in March where he defeated King Kenny on the scorecards—a decision that was overturned in his favor after he initially lost. He will likely be hoping to keep the fight out of the judge’s hands after the controversy surrounding his last outing.
Slim Albaher is currently 3-0 as an amateur. He has scored knockouts in every bout to date, including one over cardmate, Fousey. Albaher has gradually moved up in weight, having first appeared at middleweight (160lbs) in 2019.
Deji Olatunji vs Fousey
Despite four fights between the pair, neither Deji nor Fousey have found success in the ring. Someone will see the win column for the first time on Saturday night. This bout is scheduled for four rounds in the light heavyweight (175lbs/79kg) division.
🥊 @Deji training his defence ahead of his Saturday night showdown 💪 pic.twitter.com/vogZH36tqp
— 360 Sport (@360sporthub) August 24, 2022
Deji began his boxing journey against the now well-regarded Jake Paul. He bloodied the face of Paul early in the bout and gave him his closest contest to date. However, Deji’s cardio failed him and he was retired in the fifth round. This has been the story for all three of his fights. He seems to have the edge in skill and starts strong, but tires quickly and loses. If Deji has finally fixed his gas tank issues, this fight may be his much-needed redemption.
Fousey has only had one fight so far, and it came against Slim Albaher in 2019. He was dominated the entire time in an embarrassing fashion. Fousey claims he has greatly improved, and dedicated himself to training in hopes of a comeback. If his incredible body transformation is anything to go by, that may well be true.
King Kenny vs FaZe Sensei
King Kenny seeks redemption from his overturned loss earlier this year when he faces FaZe Sensei. This bout is scheduled for four rounds at cruiserweight (200lbs/91kg).
Beta Squad’s King Kenny takes on a huge challenge as he moves up 25 pounds in weight to take on life-long combat athlete FaZe Sensei. Kenny impressed on his debut earlier this year against FaZe Temperr despite most believing he lost and will be eager to prove he is capable of better.
5 DAYS ⏳ @MisfitsBoxing @DAZNBoxing pic.twitter.com/pTGZj6E6ag
— Kenny (@KingKennyTv) August 22, 2022
FaZe Sensei hasn’t been seen since he knocked out Overtflow with a liver shot on the first KSI vs Logan Paul undercard. He comes in with a wealth of combat experience having competed in multiple MMA fights and spent most of his life training martial arts. As the bigger, more experienced man—the pressure is on Sensei to produce a result.
KSI vs Swarmz
KSI will take on Swarmz in the opening bout of the night, allowing him time to rest and recover before he competes again in the main event. This bout is scheduled for six rounds in the cruiserweight (200lbs/91kg) division.
KSI initially booked this fight as a backup following a callout made by Swarmz at the start of the year. Upon Alex Wassabi’s dropout, the bout was briefly made the headliner. It will now open the card to allow KSI to also fight in the main event. He expects to knock Swarmz out in the first round.
Swarmz comes into the fight with seemingly no boxing experience. The only available footage has been released by Swarmz himself since the announcement of the bout. He claims that he is a “madman” and does not need to know how to box to beat KSI. Whether or not that is true remains to be seen. Probably not though.
The Undercard
TikTokers Deen The Great and Evil Hero come into the fight with prior boxing experience. This bout is scheduled for four rounds at welterweight (147lbs/67kg).
Salt Papi comes off his win over Halal Ham to take on debutant Andy Warski. This bout is scheduled for four rounds in the cruiserweight (200lbs/91kg) division.
Sam Hyde and IAmThmpsn both make their debut, scheduled for four rounds in the cruiserweight (200lbs/91kg) division.
