INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
KSI locker room interview after beating Logan PaulThe biggest event in internet history? Possibly
Pure entertainment? Definitely.In front of a global audience of millions, the YouTube boxing grudge match between Britain's KSI and his
American rival Logan Paul on Saturday produced, perhaps surprisingly for some, a superb sporting spectacle in Los Angeles on Saturday.KSI
won on a split decision in a tear-up that was dripping in controversy after Paul was deducted two points for hitting his opponent on his way
down.Here's how the entertaining - and sometimes surreal - night unfolded in LA.KSI edges itKSI was the more aggressive of the two
Fury-Wilder it wasn't, but it was an entertaining bout from the first bell to the last
He was the better fighter for the first four rounds as he continually threw booming rights which rocked the taller, rangier Paul onto the
back foot.It was one-way traffic until Paul snuck through KSI's defences with an uppercut and then, with his opponent on his way to the
canvas, landed another blow which took the wind from the Brit's sails.The referee intervened because Paul broke KSI's fall, following the
uppercut, to land another blow and the official demonstrably gave the Brit time to regain his composure.And while two points were deducted
from Paul's card, a knockdown was registered in the American's favour on account of the first blow.KSI belied his inexperience to stay out
of trouble for the remainder of the fourth round - displaying much improved footwork from the pair's first fight - and the frenetic pace
continued for the full six round.KSI - whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji - was judged the winner 57-54, 56-55, 55-56 on
the judges' scorecards.It was a popular victory for the Brit, who was the more popular fighter inside the sell-out arena, despite crossing
the Atlantic to fight on his opponent's home soil.KSI, left, and Logan Paul have more than 40 million subscribers to their YouTube channels
between themWho was there?Pop star Justin Bieber was there to support Logan PaulYou could tell it was going to be a something special from
the moment the two YouTubers walked into the ring.Logan Paul came in like a pantomime villain - booed and jeered in front of a home crowd as
he strutted through in a star-spangled USA robe.KSI arrived in a red and black mask covering most of his face, and American rapper Rick Ross
walked him in performing Down Like That - a song they've collaborated on
While most people became enthralled in the tense fight, there was also a Justin Bieber sideshow to keep an eye on
The Canadian singer was in Paul's corner and after appearing with him backstage before the fight, Bieber was soon trending on social media
after giving Paul a standing ovation after the second round.The Staples Center was full of internet celebrities who wanted in on the action,
and social media full of messages for the two fighters.Will it happen again?The two fighters embraced at the endWhen both men were asked
post-fight, Paul, 24, definitely fancied another crack at KSI
The victor less so."It's done," KSI said
"I'm on to the next thing."In response, Paul, who said he would appeal against the decision to deduct him two points, said: "I'd love to
fight KSI again - these are the best moments of my life
The more I practise the more I feel comfortable."British boxing promoter Eddie Hearn was pleased with his first foray into staging a show
headlined by two men with a combined YouTube subscribership of 40 million."That fight was everything that is great about boxing," said
Hearn."There has to be a narrative and a respect for the sport and these two have that."If there are any other men or women who want to get
into the ring - and they respect the code - then this can happen again."As with most great boxing narratives, beneath all the ugly words is
a deep-rooted respect for each other.When asked to make up with Paul at the end, KSI paused, looked down and then offered his hand
Drama to the bitter end.Sidemen Zerkaa - Vikkstar123 react to KSI victory over Logan PaulWhat you saidArx: When you watch white collar
boxing you can tell those who took the training seriously and those who didn't
Both of these guys put the work in and it made what could've been a shambles a pretty entertaining fight
Enjoyed it!Bambalam: Logan won that fight, if not a draw
KSI missed with a majority of shots and the ref gave him the win with the ridiculous two-point deduction!marswalker23: Boxing is in really
bad shape if two YouTube personalities headline a boxing event
Especially over a world title fight.notbad: KSI had absolutely no technique
How they could talk their own ability up so much is beyond me.Bigglesworth: Some people saying this was more entertaining than a Tyson Fury
bout? It was a good fight for the level of the fighters but not as entertaining as watching Wilder v Fury where you know that one wrong move
is a knockout, more so for Fury
It was not the most technically appealing fight.KritikulHit: Amazing six rounds, probably the best fight of the night! Do not appear to be
"clowns" in my eyes!Akay721: I never thought the day would come when YouTubers would fight it out in the ring, but here we are
Congratulations to KSI for taking the win in a close fight
I gotta give both KSI and Logan props for taking this seriously and training like real boxers.
