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Steve KimESPN
The trend of boxing matches pitting YouTubers against each other will continue Jan. 30 in Miami, as Jake Paul will square off against AnEsonGib on a card that will feature multiple world championship bouts.
Paul, 22, is among the leading social media influencers, as he has more than 36 million followers combined on various platforms (YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter), and his family is no stranger to the sport, as his brother, Logan — another popular figure on Youtube — participated in a highly publicized two-fight series with KSI. Their most recent meeting was Nov. 9 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, which was sanctioned as a six-round professional contest. KSI (whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji) won via split decision.
“Coming into the sport of boxing as an undefeated champion amongst my peers, it’s my duty to set the bar as high as possible for others looking to cross over into the sport,” Paul said. “This is more than a fight to me. It’s a chance to show the world that anyone with a dream, vision and the right work ethic can overcome adversity and shine on the brightest stage.”
Paul said it’s his goal to avenge his brother’s November defeat.
“This bout has deep roots. It’s a fight for my brother’s honor, my pride and most importantly my loyal fans who are among the best in the world,” he said. “This is the American dream. Thursday, Jan. 30, on DAZN, my opponent’s 15 minutes of fame turn into 10 seconds of counting stars as he lays unconscious on the canvas. And then, I’m coming for that w—er KSI.”
AnEsonGib hails from the UK and gained notoriety for his YouTube shorts on the video game FIFA. Like Paul, he has some boxing experience, as he fought as an amateur on the undercards featuring KSI. AnEsonGib and KSI share the same trainer in Viddal Riley.
He says of his upcoming bout, “After six months of Jakey ducking, the fight is finally going down. He had no choice of his opponent. I chose him. Since my last fight, I have been training nonstop, and Jan. 30 in Miami, I will end the fight in devastating fashion and will have my hand raised in front of his country, family and friends. Jake Paul is going to be my walking, talking ad for the rest of his days.”
This bout will serve as the co-main event to Demetrius Andrade’s defense of his WBO middleweight title against Luke Keeler. Also on this card will be IBF junior lightweight champion Tevin Farmer facing Joseph Diaz and unified junior featherweight titlist Danny Roman taking on Murodjon Akhmadaliev.
This event will take place at the Meridian at Island Gardens.