Throughout history, boxing has been practiced by soldiers, athletes, royalty, and commoners alike. Some of the greatest and most respected athletes of the 20th century were boxers. Most notable among them are Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield, etc.
The sport has also always been a huge draw for betting. Punters from all over the world visit betting sites and place wagers on their favorite fighters. Best of all, Novibet is a bookie that doubles as an online casino. Meaning, you can play classic slot games, roulette, blackjack, etc. all from the comfort of your own home.
What is Influencer Boxing?
In the 20th century, boxing was at the top of the world. However, the rise of MMA made many believe that the sport’s popularity might vein. This all changed in the late 2010s, when influencer boxing reinvigorated a passion for the oldest martial art.
So, just what is influencer boxing? Well, as the name might suggest, influencer boxing entails popular “influencers” (YouTubers, Twitch streamers, TikTokers, etc.) stepping into the ring and squashing their beef, whether that beef is real or played up for entertainment.
Where Did It All Start?
It all started with KSI and Joe Weller. In 2018, the two YouTubers competed in an amateur boxing match. Prior to the fight, both played up their antagonism, with KSI even dropping a diss track, titled “Two Birds One Stone.”
The fight was incredibly popular, drawing in a huge crowd of fans. KSI won in the third round, and the event was received incredibly positively, both in person and online. Obviously, the massive success drew the attention of other YouTubers. Most notably, the Paul Brothers.
Jake Paul’s Breakthrough
The Paul Brothers (Logan and Jake) hopped on the bandwagon, and pretty soon, the two of them were scheduled to fight against KSI and his younger brother. Jake Paul would fight against Deji in the undercard, while Logan’s and KSI’s fight was the main draw.
Jake Paul knocked out Deji in the fifth round, and his love for boxing was born. Jake Paul broke through in the professional boxing world. His first pro-bout came about in 2019, when he faced off against AnEsonGib, another fellow YouTuber.
The Paul brother went on to compete against quite a few popular martial artists and boxers, including Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, and Tommy Fury. He has had a successful career, winning against some big names in the industry.
Popular Influencer Boxing Events
One of the most popular YouTuber boxing events is the Creator Clash. Organized by Ian Kane Jomha (idubbbz) and his wife Anisa Johma, the event is an amateur boxing tournament, in which various popular YouTubers fight for charity. The first Creator Clash was held in 2022, and a sequel is set to happen in 2023.
Another popular event was the YouTubers vs TikTokers event, held in 2021. As the title suggests, the amateur boxing event saw popular TikTokers face off against popular YouTubers. Popular names that participated in the event include DDG, Bryce Hall, AnEsonGib, Deji Olatunji, and more.
The Influencer Boxing trend has redefined the sport for a new generation, bringing in a ton of new fans, and reigniting boxing’s popularity.
