Who is KSI?

KSI, real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, is a successful internet celebrity who is now making a name for himself on the exhibition boxing circuit. According to the man himself, KSI stands for Knowledge, Strength, and Integrity.

Born in London in 1993, KSI built his brand on YouTube and now has over 24 million subscribers on that platform. He also has a strong social media presence.After incorporating some comedy rapping into his YouTube content, KSI released two studio albums in the rap genre in 2020 and 2021. He has charted 14 singles in the UK Top 40 from those albums.

KSI became involved in boxing in 2017. He has boxed in amateur and professional matches as well as exhibitions. He is involved in the promotional side of the sport as the CEO of Misfits Boxing. Misfits Boxing is described as a crossover boxing promotion that brings unrivaled action, drama, and entertainment to fans across the globe. Misfits Boxing has a global broadcasting deal with the streaming service DAZN.

KSI Rises Up The YouTube Channels

 After uploading videos of himself commenting on the popular FIFA soccer video games in 2009, KSI reached 1 million subscribers in 2012 after uploading vlog-style content and playing various games on his channel. Since 2013 KSI has been part of the UK YouTube group Sidemen. Sidemen produce online videos featuring entertaining challenges and sketches. There is exclusive clothing and merchandise for the brand. With the Sidemen brand growing, it has now launched a subscription service, a restaurant chain, and a vodka brand. In 2020, The Times newspaper named KSI the UK’s biggest influencer.

Boxing Involvement

With the music, books, and clothing offshoots coming from his YouTube career, KSI also found his way into boxing via that avenue. A dispute with fellow UK YouTube content creator Joe Weller led to a February 2018 amateur boxing contest between the two at London’s Copper Box Arena. KSI prevailed via TKO in the 3rd round. Another amateur bout saw KSI face an American social media personality in Manchester in August 2018. That bout ended in a majority draw.

KSI’s next ring outing took place in November 2019, and it was once again against Logan Paul. This one was fought as a professional contest in Los Angeles, California. KSI, listed as a cruiserweight,  won the six-round contest via split decision. Since then, KSI’s in-ring activity has been under the Misfits Boxing banner. These bouts are strictly classified as exhibitions. The four he has fought against rappers, gamers, and businessmen have returned three wins and one no-contest.

What’s Next For KSI Within The Exhibition Boxing Circuit

With Misfits Boxing establishing itself, it isn’t going to go away anytime soon. While not for hardcore boxing fans, it does appeal to a specific demographic and audience. Before their first card in August 2022, DAZN claimed that it had gained nearly 2 million new subscribers worldwide because of the event. KSI continues to promote and often mentions taking on other well-known internet personalities and also professional boxers, such as Jake Paul and Tommy Fury, in future bouts.  

Colin Morrison

A boxing fan since his teenage years, Morrison began writing about the sport in July 2016. He appreciates all styles of boxing and has nothing but respect for those who get in the ring for our entertainment. Morrison is from Scotland and can be found on Twitter @Morrie1981.

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