‘Everyone thought YouTube boxing would go away – but this is only the beginning’
The rise of YouTube boxing is only just beginning according to two-time world heavyweight title challenger Derek Chisora, who is promoting Jake Paul vs Tommy Fury.
Having been in the ring after KSI’s first amateur fight, a victory over Joe Weller at the Copper Box, Chisora has seen the rise in popularity of influencer boxing first-hand.
Five years later, with KSI fighting on DAZN at both The O2 Arena and Wembley Arena across the past six months and Jake Paul headlining another PPV, Chisora foresees even more growth.
READ MORE: Derek Chisora promises ‘very surprising’ exhibition opponent – alongside pro career
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star Sport before Paul takes on Fury on BT Sport Box Office this weekend, Chisora said: “I remember putting up JJ’s first fight, KSI’s first fight at the Copper Box, I gave him the belt.
“People thought it was going to fade out but they didn’t realise that even now it’s only the beginning.
“As long as they’ve got the TV channels behind them too, as long as you have those then this will go on for the next 20 years.”
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(Image: Getty Images)
With Paul vs Fury priced at £19.95 on PPV, KSI’s bouts with Logan Paul made more than £15million in revenue across 2018 and 2019 to kick start a new era.
With the combined revenue of Jake’s fights now £70m, questions over the longevity and popularity of YouTube boxing careers have proved to be unfounded.
YouTube led boxing events have grown in popularity alongside exhibitions, with Chisora himself promising to spring some surprises with new opponents in 2023.
(Image: Top Rank via Getty Images)
Chisora said of his future: “I see more promoting, but we will be announcing my fight soon. I want to get in there.
“With exhibitions, I’d love to. There is a couple of those that I want to try and make happen. I can’t say who but you will be very surprised…”
Chisora last entered the ring at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in December, losing in the 10th round to Tyson Fury with the WBC heavyweight title on the line.
BT Sport Box Office will show Tommy Fury v Jake Paul exclusively live on Sunday, February 26 from 6:30pm. Learn more at btsport.com/boxing
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