Tommy Fury and KSI failed to impress to top off another interesting crossover event. The boxer took a majority decision.
The AO Arena in Manchester had been packed since the prelims for the latest Misfits and DAZN effort, and featured the likes of Tyson Fury and Eddie Hearn, though just as observers.
Tommy Fury entered the ring a heavy favourite given his nine pro bouts. It did nothing to deter KSI’s confidence, who walked out backed by rapper Giggs in spectacular fashion, proving that, if nothing else, he can put on an event.
He was as wild as expected, hands down and even out to the side. Fury tried to establish the fundamentals, but struggled with judging the distance. KSI landed a big overhand that got the crowd going. The pair exchanged rabbit punches to mark a sloppy first round.
Fury landed two to start the second then had a point taken off for another shot around the back of the head. KSI got off impressive work on the inside, but it was a lot of effort for a small payoff. Clashes throughout.
Fury scored some statement shots halfway through the third, but the fundamentals he beat Jake Paul with weren’t on show tonight. Clinches dominated the fourth, the distance management not there for Tommy who wasn’t following his corner’s instructions to jab. He was moving forward with little reason to when KSI is coming straight at you.
Round five was poor with far too much clashing and holding, and the sixth the same. Nothing of note. Fury took the majority decision, and KSI branded it a robbery on his own promotion. Fury said he wouldn’t box on the crossover scene again.
As the co-main event, Dillon Danis underwhelmed against Logan Paul and then forced a brawl.
The issues of officiating must be addressed. During an undercard bout between Deen the Great and Walid Sharks, the latter took an unnecessary amount of punishment.
Salt Papi, considered one of the better boxers on the promotion, was completely out on his feet against Slim Albaher, but the referee let him continue for needless shots to the head.
These promotions are purely for entertainment, but they must put safety much higher than that. If not, the experiment could end in disaster.
It was an event that will have delighted crossover fans and further distanced traditionalists. It will also likely break the UK pay-per-view record.