Controversial Knockout plagues genuinely good event at Misfits 007

A packed-out Wembley, a card bursting with anticipated battles, Misfits 007 was shaping up to be another thriller which proved why perhaps this crossover boxing scene is the future of a dying sport with dwindling interest. Yet, in the end, spectators in the flesh and back home alike may have been watching, scratching their heads at what in the final seconds turned into somewhat of a mixed-martial-art spectacle as a KSI elbow forced the end of Fournier’s night. You cannot blame KSI though for what was a blatantly unfair knockout, after all, he did make his WWE debut just a matter of months ago…

All joking aside, it was a clear and unfortunate accident that ruined a fight that was likely only heading in one direction. A lack of immediate acknowledgment of the elbow from his team and Misfits though, made them a temporary laughing stock. Some would argue that they have not yet left the temporary status.

As per usual , the “Nightmare” came out of the blocks flying. Before the bout on the night, Fournier rubbished any claims he was scared of KSI’s power. In his eyes, he was the man, while his opponent was the child. He was fazed after just a matter of seconds though. His punches didn’t rock Olatunji in the slightest and in contrast, he was visibly struggling with the YouTuber’s power. By round two, Fournier was struggling to hang on. Even before the controversial knockout, he was visibly affected by the power.

Then the knockout came. At first, it was a blur. Commentators showed the replay live and concluded it was a blatant elbow. Yet, KSI was barely questioned about this during the ring interview. The framing of the question was that “Joe Fournier fans” wanted to know, leading KSI to think that only those biased against him were outraged, the reality being everyone watching was. If all you had caught was the post-fight analysis then you wouldn’t have known there was controversy whatsoever. When KSI was questioned in the post-fight press conference about whether this victory may be taken away from him (which it was just a matter of days ago ) Kalle Sauerland – Misfits presenter – jumped down the reporter’s throat and questioned his credentials in a rather bizarre social exchange. Oblivious to the fact that you don’t need to be an expert to spot an elbow. Of course, he was protecting his main fighting asset in KSI, however, all that came across as was distasteful and arrogant.

I get it. Nobody disputes that the elbow was accidental. After all, it wasn’t in his logical interest to disqualify himself in a fight where he was in the ascendency. Yet, the way Misfits glossed over the elbow, almost pretending it didn’t happen was a major reputational own goal. Even in the hours after the fight when the illegal punch was clear as day, their social media accounts celebrated this moment as though it was a clean knockout.

Misfits have hosted the pinnacle of crossover boxing spectacles time and time again. “Social Gloves”, “Kingpyn” and “Happy Punch” alike do not come close, yet there is an obvious pattern of lacking class. The childish and malicious way in which they treated Wade Plemons – sacking their former presenter and boxing commentator for simply expressing a different opinion – received rightfully severe backlash and perhaps goes a long way in explaining the way in which the elbow knockout was immediately disguised. Even though this denial of truth is nowhere near as serious, it illustrates a worrying pattern.

In one of his recent videos, Olatunji clarifies the scenario, stating that Fournier attempted to initiate a clinch and was falling when he accidentally elbowed him. Fair is fair and it has to be said that this matches reality. However, it didn’t take away Fournier’s right to be incensed. Although, maybe that anger clouded his judgment as he stated that it was intentional cheating from Olatunji’s side. Really, where would he benefit from that?

Many have claimed a rematch should happen, which I cannot see. Considering the brutal knockout you would be looking at around two months minimum for a fight date, and would there be any real hype? KSI has teased at facing Fournier, Salt Papi and Slim all in the same night. That is the only way in which I can see a potential bout again between the two. Although, whether a triple fight night for Olatunji would be sanctioned is another thing. It’s not like Swarmz where a victory is guaranteed, there would be no guarantee of him being able to compete in all three fights. Even if the possibility of a loss is little, it still isn’t impossible. In reality though, KSI seemed comfortably superior, and any rematch would likely have the same outcome, just with less controversy.

KSI v Tommy Fury looks certain now with both parties clashing in the ring and KSI winning 2-0 in forehead clashes this week. (He really should you could argue.) Unfortunately for YouTube boxing fans, a clash with Jake Paul seems something the American isn’t currently interested in. Should a victory land in the court of Olatunji though, it is likely that would change. KSI is looking at this as an opportunity to cement his place as the leading influencer boxer. Truth be told that award still lies in the balance.

Fury will be a heavy favourite among the bookies as he was against Jake Paul. He will see this as another opportunity to make some money against an opponent from a unalike boxing world. Although considering he was pushed to eight rounds by the American, he might be slightly more wary this time and bring a better version of himself to show.

One thing is for certain, it will be the first time KSI is properly tested in the ring since his return last year, unless, of course, he brings out another elbow knockout.