Eddie Hearn Explains Change Of Mind Over KSI Vs Logan Paul

Before KSI and Logan Paul fought the first time it was derided by Eddie Hearn. Now the Matchroom Boxing chief is promoting the rematch, he explained why he's made huge u-turn.

When YouTubers KSI and Paul fought in August 2018, at the Manchester Arena, Hearn wasn't impressed with the idea saying, "I'm too much of a boxing enthusiast to think... I've been pitched loads of celebrity fights. I love a pound note but it's not really in my heart. I know people think I'm just a w**** but I don't think I could stand up there and sell, and be a part of that."

After drawing their first fight the pair will have a rematch in November in the Staples Centre, Los Angeles, and Hearn will help promote the second bout.

Speaking to ESPN Hearn explained his change of thinking, saying, "Thirteen months ago when the first fight took place I smirked and pondered how embarrassing it would be to stage this event in a 20,000-seat arena.

"What I saw was a phenomenon -- a sold-out arena, over 1 million pay-per-view buys but more importantly an energy of a new audience to the sport of boxing.

"When I was asked to be involved in the rematch it got me excited, but I had some requests to help integrate the two audiences. I requested that both fighters turn professional and undergo the same medicals that any other fighter would. I asked that the fighters lose the head guards and use 10-ounce gloves. If we are going to do this, then let's do it properly."

The first fight was an amateur contest with head guards and resulted in a split decision draw with two judges scoring it 57-57 and the third scoring in KSI's favour 58-57.

The fight in November will be a professional contest with US subscription service DAZN showing the fight, though it's not yet known if it'll be a pay-per-view production in the UK.

Eddie Hearn announces his October 26th card at the O2 Arena. Image: PA Images

Hearn confirmed that Billy Joe Saunders could appear on the undercard, as could Devin Haney , who faces Zaur Abdullayev in a WBC lightweight final eliminator in September at Madison Square Garden.

Before then Hearn will be involved in three press conferences between Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz Jr ahead of their rematch.

Topics: Logan Paul, Boxing News, Andy Ruiz Jr, Andy Ruiz, Anthony Joshua, KSI, Eddie Hearn

Ryan Sidle

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