KSI's KO victory over Joe Fournier is in jeopardy after illegal elbow
KSI's victory over Joe Fournier has been thrown into jeopardy as boxing authorities prepare to review footage of the fight after the YouTube star appeared to land an illegal elbow on his opponent, Mail Sport understands.
'The Nightmare' continued his ascension through the cross-over boxing scene with a brutal second-round knockout over his 40-year-old counterpart, in front of packed out OVO Arena Wembley.
However, footage of the final exchanges of the fight appeared to show KSI land an illegal on his opponent which, in turn, sent him crashing down to the canvas and unable to get up.
Mail Sport understands that boxing's authorities will now review the footage to check for the apparent elbow and then make a decision.
The incident occurred in the second round of the fight, shortly after KSI had landed a huge overhand right that sent Fournier stumbling backwards.
KSI's knockout victory has been put in jeopardy after replays appeared to show the YouTube star land an illegal elbow on his opponent
'The Nightmare' sent Joe Fournier crashing to the canvas in the second round of their bout
Fournier described the incident as a 'clear elbow' and called for the decision to be overturned
'The Nightmare' moved in to land a crucial blow however missed with his right hook and appeared to catch his opponent with a nasty elbow.
KSI started the fight fast, immediately tagging Fournier with the right hand. Fourier found himself on the canvas in the opening round, and even though it was simply a slip, it was caused by pressure and the warning signs were there.
Fournier then made a better start to round two, but he was quickly on the canvas following a clubbing right hand, which ended the fight in an instance. As stated, though, replays suggested it wasn't a legal shot.
KSI appeared unaware that he'd landed the illegal shot, as he said post-fight: 'I hit him with a massive shot. He was dazed and scrambling, trying to hold onto me for dear life.'
Fournier, on the other hand, had a different outlook on matters. Speaking to Mail Sport, he said: 'I know you're fighting the promotion, I know maybe the judges might be in their favour, but for the ref to let a clear elbow... it's been replayed a million times around the world.
'A clear elbow and then they count me out on the elbow. He should be disqualified. That should be a clear win for me.'
The Brit's long-term rival, and fellow influencer-turned-boxer, Jake Paul immediately voiced his opinion in the incident on his social media accounts and called for a disqualification.
Paul, who lost via split decision against Tommy Fury in February, wrote: 'I respect boxing too much to respect what that was. If that was indeed a real boxing match it will be ruled a no contest or disqualification'.
Fury was present at the event and was quick to step inside the ring after KSI's victory, with talks of a fight between the two beginning to heat up.
KSI's long-term rival, Jake Paul, was quick to suggest a 'no contest or disqualification'
Fournier was sent tumbling to the canvas after the shot thrown by KSI in the second round
Boxing authorities will now review footage from the fight and check for an illegal blow
Earlier in the night, KSI's younger brother Deji was in action, taking on rapper Swarmz in the chief support.
The Brit put in perhaps a career-best performance, easing his way to a unanimous decision victory.
And beforehand, in one of the most eagerly-anticipated bouts of the night, Salt Papi - a Misfits fan favourite - took on his toughest test yet against former MMA fighter Anthony Taylor.
The social media star was somewhat exposed, however, as he fell short, losing for the first time as Taylor claimed a much-deserved unanimous decision victory.
Source: Daily Mail
