British superstar KSI’s latest boxing event in partnership with DAZN saw him headline a packed Wembley Arena.
The king of the crossover bouts knocked out Faze Temper in the first round of their main event following a six-fight undercard with a mix of talent ranging from total novice to relatively impressive – we’re looking at you, Salt Papi.
Also known as the YouTube scene, these fights regularly draw criticism from ‘traditional’ boxing fans as to their legitimacy and potential danger. The Misfits series is sanctioned by the Pro Boxing Association, not the British Boxing Board of Control.
One thing that cannot be denied, though, is the pulling power in terms of fans and hype. The arena was full from start to finish – something many more traditional cards can’t claim.
Each fighter brings their own substantial audience to the event – mostly ones that have been built up in another avenue like YouTube or music before they even considered boxing.
This event – the fourth in the Misfits series – was available via DAZN’s relatively new PPV feature at a price of £11.99 in the UK and $39.99 in the US.
Gareth A Davies – boxing journalist for the Telegraph and TalkSPORT amongst others – has reported that his sources say the event sold 300,000 pay-per-views in the US and UK.
“Some boxing fans are outraged … But my sources tell me it did 300k PPV buys on DAZN UK & USA. 10.3k fans at Wembley there too.”
Listen to @ade_oladipo1 and me discuss #Misfits004#Misfitsboxing on Fight Night Extra at 5pm on (@talkSPORT) @talkSPORT2 …
Some boxing fans are outraged …
But my sources tell me it did 300k ppv buys on @DAZNBoxing@dazngroup UK & USA.
10.3k fans at Wembley there too
Views? pic.twitter.com/XyecFM76Nl— Gareth A Davies (@GarethADaviesDT) January 17, 2023
The box office number is solid, especially given that the original and perhaps more controversial main event opponent, Dillon Danis, pulled out a week or so before the show.
KSI has been open about his desire to have one more fight before challenging Jake Paul – the other man who can be credited with influencer boxing’s dramatic rise in popularity.
He had said that he believes it’s a bigger fight than Ryan Garcia vs Gervonta Davis.