Logan Paul loses YouTuber boxing rematch to KSI in controversial decision

YouTuber Logan Paul lost his big boxing rematch against fellow creator KSI in a fittingly controversial decision.

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The professional boxing match, which took place Saturday night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, went to a split decision after six rounds. Two judges handed the bout to the UK’s KSI, with a score of 57–54 and 56–55. The third judge scored the bout 56–55 for Logan Paul.

The controversy surrounding the decision is thanks to a moment in the fourth round where Paul was penalized two points, which cost him the fight.

Paul and KSI exchange blows. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

After being hit with an uppercut from Paul, KSI fell to the mat. On his way down, however, Paul punched his fellow YouTube creator on the back of the head. Paul continued with another blow once KSI was downed. Back-of-the-head blows are illegal in boxing. While judges actually scored the round in Paul’s favor, the two point deductions cost him.

Paul, no stranger to controversy through his YouTube and acting career, faced off against Olajide "JJ" Olatunji, known on the video website as KSI, in a rematch to their amateur fight in 2018. While the amateur bout ended in a draw, this time KSI walked out the victor.

Two points were deducted from Logan Paul following an illegal blow. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

However, controversy followed the event from the beginning. YouTubers and the professional boxing community both criticized the rematch, which was classified as a pro boxing match. Unlike the previous amateur fight, other YouTubers were not allowed to participate because it was an officially sanctioned event. Boxing fans as well lambasted the bout as an insult to the sport.

Another major difference between the two fights was where it was broadcast. YouTube was branded heavily during the original battle between the two contenders. This time, though, the match was streamed exclusively in the U.S. on subscription sports service DAZN. The move was made due to the piracy issues the YouTube stream faced last time around.

KSI won the match via split decision. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images

Celebrities like Justin Bieber attended the rematch to cheer on Paul, but unfortunately for the YouTuber that wasn’t enough to pull off a victory.

Paul said he was open to a third matchup with KSI following the bout, but another rematch seems unlikely.

“It’s done,” said KSI post-match. “I’m onto the next thing.”