OnlyFans, the subscriber-only based giant that has been taking over social networking globally in recent years, is rapidly entering the world of boxing and accessing the imaginations of the talented, bold characters within the space.
Only two weeks ago, Derek Chisora challenged Tyson Fury for the WBC World Heavyweight Title at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, sporting OnlyFans branded clothing for the entirety of fight week. Describing his content as ‘delicious’ on his social media accounts, Chisora turned the focus of his large and loyal community of fans to the platform by way of posing in photographs both topless and covered in whipped cream.
The fight itself was heavily one-sided in ‘The Gypsy King’s favour, however, this high-profile event captured a newfound audience, and the involvement of OnlyFans made a considerable contribution to the talking topics amongst viewers.
Although it’s often automatically assumed that the content service focuses primarily on adult-based offerings, the platform has also been used by names in the boxing world that are perhaps unexpected, for example, former WBC World Cruiserweight Champion, Tony Bellew.
Announcing his subscriber account on his social media pages in 2021, and stunning boxing fans in the process, it became quickly apparent that the purpose for ‘Bomber’s new venture was a distance away from the content you would expect. Instead, he used the platform to impart his knowledge in fitness, boxing training, and general day-to-day conversation regarding lifestyle.
IBF World Bantamweight Champion, Ebanie Bridges, has also recently joined the force. The Blonde Bomber trains out of Origin Gym in Essex under the guidance of highly regarded boxing coach, Mark Tibbs, who is also currently training OnlyFans sensation, Elle Brooke.
Together, Bridges and Brooke have used their strong friendship to engage a shared audience among boxing fans and subscribers, of which there are quite a number. Just last week, the Aussie teased her immense following at the weigh-in for her world title defence against Shannon O’Connell in stunning lingerie and with the OnlyFans logo painted across her stomach.
Professional boxing is recognising the benefits of Only Fans as a new, fresh means of sharing their story, expertise, and wisdom. In addition to this, Only Fans superstars – the likes of Astrid Wett – have found their love for the sport as a result of their success on the platform, and entered the popular world of crossover boxing.
Misfits Boxing, one of the fastest growing boxing promoters in the sport, have featured Astrid Wett on their fight cards and, with the help of experienced boxing promoters, Wasserman Boxing in association with the Sauerland Brothers, have grown arguably the most engaged and interactive following in the boxing world currently.
Boxing is in a brand new era. Whether to all fans’ taste or not, the means by which boxing content is absorbed is changing, and the opportunity for growth in the sport is too vast to ignore.