Report | KSI vs Logan Paul rematch did terrible PPV numbers

The Youtube boxing showdown of KSI vs Logan Paul had the promotional powerhouse of Eddie Hearn and DAZN behind it. However, that wasn’t enough to bolster a UK following as the event received shocking UK PPV numbers.

Approximately 12,000 people attended the KSI vs Logan Paul rematch that took place in the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. The October 9th fight was a rematch of the Youtuber’s 2018 fight which resulted in a draw. KSI won their second fight by a controversial split decision victory.

Despite KSI being born and raised in the United Kingdom, very few UK natives decided to tune into the rematch. According to World Boxing News (which received verification from Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board), only 216,000 people purchased the PPV event on Sky Sports. This is despite being half the price of the standard pay-per-view cost.

Part of the reason why Logan Paul vs. KSI pay-per-views may have suffered is time difference between the US and the UK. The 5:00 am start time may have been a deterrent for fans who considered purchasing the fight. Also, the released PPV numbers do not include illegal streaming watches.

In the lead-up, the event garnered significant hype and interest. However, a comparison between the UK’s top PPV boxing events showed just how poorly it did:

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It is unclear whether the lack-lustre PPV numbers in the UK will affect DAZN’s plans for future celebrity bouts. But the top boxing promoter believes the future looks bright:

“You don’t realize the audience these guys have,” Eddie Hearn said (via Forbes).

“They brought our sport to reach new ground and reach new territories, new demographics and new markets.”

KSI and Paul have a combined following of 40 million Youtube subscribers and were paid a handsome sum of $900,000 each for the rematch.

Both fighters enjoyed the challenge of competing in a boxing match and are considering a future in combat sport. Paul has even teased a move to MMA. UFC Hall of Famer, Tito Ortiz is willing to help the Youtube star as he believes he has great potential.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.com on 12/3/2019.