Eddie Hearn’s comments about first KSI vs Logan Paul fight may come back to haunt Matchroom promoter after confirming rematch

Eddie Hearn’s comments about the first fight between YouTube stars Logan Paul and KSI may well come back to haunt the boxing promoter.

Alongside DAZN in America, Matchroom Boxing are helping to promote the rematch between the social media sensations, scheduled to take place in November this year at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

The first fight proved to be a huge commercial success, drawing in more than 1 million PPV buys and completely selling out the Manchester Arena.

Although the fight ended in a draw, both men claimed to have won the contest and will now fight as recognised professionals by the California State Athletic Commission and with ten ounce gloves and no head guard.

Hearn, who is set to give Billy Joe Sanders his Matchroom debut on the undercard, believes the event will showcase boxing to a new audience and admits he was wrong about the first fight.

Last year he said: “I’m too much of a boxing enthusiast to think… I’ve been pitched loads of celebrity fights. I love a pound note but it’s not really in my heart.

“I know people think I’m just a w**** but I don’t think I could stand up there and sell, and be a part of that. The event they put on was brilliant and really smart but…”

But now the promoter has said: “Thirteen months ago when the first fight took place I smirked and pondered how embarrassing it would be to stage this event in a 20,000 seater arena.

“What I saw was a phenomenon; a sold out arena, over one million PPV buys but more importantly an energy of a new audience to the sport of boxing.

“When I was asked to be involved in the rematch it got me excited but I had some requests to help integrate the two audiences. I requested that both fighters turn professional and undergo the same medicals that any other fighter would. I asked that the fighters lose the headguards and use 10oz gloves, if we are going to do this then let’s do it properly.

“Both men obliged and now they prepare for war on November 9 – this event will be huge, a World championship card beneath an event that will create a hype for boxing not seen in the US for a long time. Staples Center will be sold out and a new audience will join our great sport and tune in live on DAZN.”