Connect with us

Published

on

Influencer boxing is taking the sport by storm – but it’s also creating serious safety concerns.

It consists of popular YouTubers and internet personalities fighting each other in the boxing ring.

But thanks to their cult following, some of them – like Jake Paul, Logan Paul and KSI – have become the most recognisable names in the sport today, and some of their payouts are said to be into the millions.

One of the biggest combat sports pay-per-view fights in 2023 came from an influencer boxing event held in Manchester, Sky News has learned.

The event, named the Prime Card, was dubbed the 'Super Bowl of Influencer Boxing'. Pic: Misfits Boxing
Image:
The event, named the Prime Card, was dubbed the ‘Super Bowl of Influencer Boxing’. Pic: Misfits Boxing

The show reportedly had over a million sales and was put together by the world’s most popular promotion company, Misfits Boxing.

Their first event in August 2022 drew nearly two million viewers on the DAZN Boxing streaming network, with 90% of them being new subscribers.

Kalle Sauerland, president of Misfits Boxing, as well as an established promoter in traditional boxing, sees influencer boxing as “the ultimate version of changing the sport for the better”.

More on Boxing

‘Kids love that online beef’

Influencer boxing thrives on gimmicky characters with razzmatazz and zing – and its supporters say it offers a type of entertainment that traditional boxing doesn’t.

Scenes such as those seen at a press conference last year – with tables, mics, bottles and cake being thrown into the air by John Fury, Logan Paul and Dillon Danis – can go viral, resulting in millions of clicks for companies like Misfits Boxing.

Some influencers are commonly restrained by security to avoid clashes before the fight. Pic: Misfits Boxing
Image:
Some influencers are commonly restrained by security to avoid clashes before the fight. Pic: Misfits Boxing

Mr Sauerland said: “It’s a different type of entertainment. You’re not watching it because you’re going to see a jab like Muhammed Ali’s. You’re not going to see the feet of Muhammed Ali either. But you are going to get great entertainment.

“You’ve got storylines, you’ve got what the kids love that online beef, and I think that’s the secret of the success.”

The fairly new phenomenon rose from humble beginnings in 2018 with all fights taking place under amateur regulation – the event required every fighter to wear headguards and 16oz gloves.

The first influencer boxing event saw YouTubers KSI and Joe Weller fight for charity. Pic: KSI / YouTube
Image:
The first influencer boxing event saw YouTubers KSI and Joe Weller fight for charity. Pic: KSI / YouTube

However, as interest has grown, the scene has evolved from its original form and matched the professional game with the removal of head guards and the adoption of 10oz gloves. These changes were first introduced in 2019 and have since been in place.

The transition to professional rules has also been a contributing factor to more stoppages and knockout victories, which are a celebrated part of the sport and often used for publicity.

Knockout victories are common in the influencer scene. Pic: Misfits Boxing
Image:
Knockout victories are common in the influencer scene. Pic: Misfits Boxing

For a dangerous sport with the basic intent to produce bodily harm by specifically targeting the head, it raises questions on whether it’s even a space for novices to dabble in.

While it’s not legally required for companies to hire governing bodies to sanction their professional boxing events, given the number of health and safety protocols needed, it is advised to.

‘Somebody will die’

The British Boxing Board of Control, the only government-recognised authority for professional boxing in the UK, has been seeking to separate itself from the influencer boxing scene, since its inception.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Concerns over the rise of influencer boxing

Robert Smith, the board’s general secretary, told Sky News: “I am concerned. I don’t agree with influencer boxing, and the main reason being is some of the standards you see are very, very poor.

“And therefore, I’m fairly confident that a lot of people who take part in that, if they applied for a license with us, would not get one.”

He added: “Boxing is dangerous. Somebody can, will possibly die in the future. And obviously the trouble with that then is it’s not just influencer boxing, it’s boxing.”

Mr Smith's BBBofC are renowned for their stringent regulations.
Image:
Robert Smith, of the British Boxing Board of Control, says some standards ‘are very, very poor’

Just earlier this month, professional boxer Kazuki Anaguchi, 23, died from a brain injury that he sustained from his last fight in December 2023.

There haven’t been any serious injuries in influencer boxing thus far, however, on several occasions, influencers have violated the rules of boxing – in the form of illegal knockouts and failed drug tests.

Those actions have led to disqualifications and suspensions by the Professional Boxing Association (PBA), which has been in charge of regulating most influencer bouts.

Reality TV star Chase DeMoor received a suspension for continuing to punch his opponent after a knockout. Pic DAZN
Image:
Reality TV star Chase DeMoor received a suspension for continuing to punch his opponent after a knockout. Pic DAZN

Last year, the PBA withdrew from working with promotion company Kingpyn Boxing, due to safety concerns.

Sky News approached Kingpyn Boxing for comment, but it did not respond.

Last month, the PBA also parted ways with Misfits Boxing, though confirming that it has “always held high standards when it comes to boxer safety”.

Misfits Boxing has told Sky News it recognises the concerns and takes boxer safety “to the highest possible professional standard”.

‘It’s a disaster waiting to happen’

Former European champion Spencer Oliver almost lost his life in the ring after a right hook gave him a life-threatening blood clot in the brain and ended his fighting career.

Mr Oliver was put into an induced coma for two weeks and made a full recovery.
Image:
Former boxer Spencer Oliver was put into an induced coma for two weeks after suffering a blood clot

He also helped to organise the very first influencer boxing event in 2018, but the current state of what he started makes him feel “guilty” and fear that “someone is going to get injured in the ring like I did back in 1998”.

Mr Oliver told Sky News: “With the influencer boxing and where it’s heading now, you’ve got guys and girls coming out with no experience at all, they’re not conditioned at all, they’re going in there, and some of them are too one-sided, way way too one-sided.

“It’s a disaster waiting to happen.”

He added: “My message to the promoters that are involved in these matchups is make sure you get the matchmaking right because, at what cost? And it’s on your head if you don’t.

“It will leave a stain on boxing; God forbid something happens to one of them.”

Continue Reading

UK

Man arrested on suspicion of murder as three children and a woman die in house fire

Published

on

By

Man arrested on suspicion of murder as three children and a woman die in house fire

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three children and a woman died in a house fire in Brent, northwest London.

Metropolitan Police officers are investigating after being called to assist firefighters in Stonebridge, near Wembley, shortly after 1.20am.

A 43-year-old woman and three children, a 15-year-old girl, an eight-year-old boy and a four-year-old boy, died at the scene, the force said. Their next of kin have been informed.

Police are waiting for an update on the conditions of two others who were taken to hospital.

A 41-year-old man was arrested at the scene in connection with the incident and remains in custody.

Two terraced houses in Tillett Close, Stonebridge, were involved in the fire. Pic: PA
Two terraced houses in Tillett Close, Stonebridge, were involved in the fire. Pic: PA
Image:
Pics: PA

Eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responded to the blaze, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

Two terrace houses, each with three floors, were severely damaged in the fire, which was under control by around 3.25am, the fire service added.

Firefighters rescued the woman and one of the children from the second floor of the house, but they were declared dead by air ambulance crews.

The two other children were found inside the property and were also declared dead at the scene, LFB said.

Emergency services on the scene. Pic: PA
Emergency services on the scene. Pic: PA
Image:
Emergency services at the scene. Pics: PA

LFB assistant commissioner Keeley Foster said: “Upon arrival, firefighters were met with a well-developed fire, involving two adjoining properties. Crews immediately set to work carrying out firefighting operations in order to bring the incident under control.

“Sadly, a woman and three children have died as a result of this fire.

“Crews wearing breathing apparatus were able to rescue the woman and one of the children from the second floor, but they were later declared deceased at the scene.

“A further two children were discovered to have died in the fire, as crews carried out a search of the properties involved.”

She added: “This is an extremely tragic incident, and the thoughts of everyone across the brigade are with those impacted by this incident.”

Two terraced houses in Tillett Close, Stonebridge, were involved in the fire. Pic: PA
Image:
Pic: PA

London Ambulance Service said an air ambulance, incident response officers, advanced paramedic and hazardous area response team were deployed to the scene.

Read more from Sky News:
Trade war fears reignite as EU strikes back at Trump’s threat
Why Russian troops are massing near Ukraine’s ‘fortress city’
UN chief condemns ‘teaspoon’ of aid allowed into Gaza

Superintendent Steve Allen, from the Met’s local policing team in northwest London, said: “This is an extremely tragic incident and our thoughts are with everyone involved.

“Officers arrested a man at the scene and we continue to work alongside investigators from the London Fire Brigade to establish the cause of the fire.

“Emergency services will remain in Tillett Close throughout the day as these enquiries take place.”

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said in a post on X: “This is devastating news and my thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community of the four people who sadly have lost their lives.

“I remain in close contact with the London Fire Brigade and Metropolitan Police as they work to establish the cause of the fire and offer support to all those impacted.”

Dawn Butler, the local Labour MP for Brent East, posted: “Devastated to see the fatal fire at homes in Tillett Close last night.

“My prayers are with the family and friends affected by this is a very sad tragedy.

“@LFB_Brent worked hard to get it under control, thank you.”

Continue Reading

UK

Southport attack victim’s teachers ‘don’t want her to be forgotten’

Published

on

By

Southport attack victim's teachers 'don't want her to be forgotten'

The teacher of one of the Southport stabbing victims has told Sky News they “don’t want her to be forgotten”, 10 months after the knife attack in which she was murdered.

Seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe was killed along with Bebe King, six, and nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar in an attack by Axel Rudakubana at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class last July.

Jennifer Sephton, headteacher of Farnborough Road Infant School, will be skydiving to raise funds for the Elsie’s Story charitable trust, which has been set up in memory of the former pupil.

Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King were murdered in an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed class.
Image:
(L-R) Alice da Silva Aguiar, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Bebe King were killed in an attack at a Taylor Swift-themed class


“She’d been with us for four years, throughout her education,” Ms Sephton told Sky News, “and we just want everybody to know Elsie’s spirit.”

Describing Elsie as “such a determined young lady,” Ms Sephton said Elsie had “a real zest for life, and a sparkle in her eye all the time.”

She added that Elsie’s Story, which has been set up by Elsie’s family, is about “continuing that legacy.”

Jennifer Sephton
Image:
Jennifer Sephton

In the aftermath of the July 2024 attack, the gates outside Elsie’s school were lined with flowers, balloons, and cards bearing her name.

Since then, memorial benches and a tree have been planted in the school grounds, providing pupils and staff with a place to “remember and reflect”, Ms Sefton says.

“[Elsie’s death] had such an impact on all our community,” the teacher said, “it’s had an impact on her friends, their siblings, our school as a community and our staff.”

Read more:
Southport survivor wants end to use of traditional kitchen knives

Adrian Antell
Image:
Adrian Antell

‘We want her name to live on’

Ms Sephton will be joined in the skydive by Adrian Antell, headteacher at the adjoining junior school where Elsie had been due to start.

“Elsie was due to come to us last September,” he told Sky News, “but what we’ve learned about her is that she had a wonderful impact in the infant school, and we don’t want her to be forgotten.

“We want her name to have to live on and to be thought of in a positive way.”

Mr Antell said they continue to support Elsie’s classmates, who joined the new school without her.

“There’s no instruction manual for this,” he explained, “every day is different, and every day is one step at a time.

“So all we can do as a school is to think about individual children and support them in the best way we can.”

Continue Reading

UK

Scientists embark on crucial study to save Britain’s bees

Published

on

By

Scientists embark on crucial study to save Britain's bees

Scientists from Kew Gardens are using a new study to track which trees bees prefer to try to stem the decline in our vital pollinators.

Bee populations are falling all over the world due to a mixture of habitat loss, climate change, and the use of pesticides, with a devastating impact on our biodiversity and food production.

But it’s feared that not enough comprehensive, global research is being done to understand the issue or find solutions.

Pollination Research Lead, Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee told Sky News “Nearly 90% of our flowering plants depend on the contribution of pollinators, but in the UK the population of flying insects in the last 20 years has decreased by around 60%. 
Image:
The study is building up heat maps of the most popular trees


 

Now, scientists based at Wakehurst in Sussex (Kew’s “Wild Botanic Garden”) have begun placing advanced bioacoustics sensors in some of their trees, to track which ones the bees are more drawn to.
Image:
Non-invasive monitors track the buzz created by bees’ wing beats

UK becoming a no-fly zone

Researchers based at Wakehurst in Sussex, known as Kew’s “Wild Botanic Garden”, have begun placing advanced bio-acoustics sensors in some of their trees to track which ones bees favour.

They hope it’ll help urban planners know which trees to plant in built-up areas, as a way of combating the worrying decline in bee numbers.

Pollination research lead Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee said: “Nearly 90% of our flowering plants depend on the contribution of pollinators, but in the UK the population of flying insects in the last 20 years has decreased by around 60%.

“It’s really hard to be able to put a figure on the decline of our pollinators, but we do know that globally the number is declining.

“And with that comes crop yield instability and the loss of an essential ecosystem service.”

Their new, non-invasive monitors listen for the buzz created by bees’ wing beats, building up heat maps of the most popular spots.

Read more from Sky News:
‘Grandpa robbers’ guilty over Kim Kardashian heist
Train station stabbing in Germany

bees
kew gardens
Kew scientists are using a ‘brand new’ study to track which trees bees prefer - to try and stem the decline in our vital pollinators.
Image:
Bio-acoustics sensors are placed in trees to track which ones the bees are more drawn to

‘We’re facing twin crises’

Dr Griffiths-Lee said: “If you think about the tree’s footprint, it’s very small, but they’re huge 3D structures covered in pollen and nectar, which are essential resources of pollinators.

“So we really wanted to think about which are the best trees for bees for us to plant, and that can inform landscape planners, urban architects.”

Eight different species of tree were chosen for the study, including horse chestnut and lime trees, with a mixture of native and non-native species.

The scientists have also been gathering DNA from pollen, which also helps them to map which plants and flowers the insects prefer.

Wakehurst’s director, Susan Raikes, calls the 535-acre estate a “living laboratory”, and said the project’s all about searching for nature-based solutions to the impacts of climate change.

“The stakes couldn’t be higher, really. We know that we’re facing these twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change,” she added.

“We need to be able to understand, as the climate changes, which plants from warmer climes will be good here in the UK for pollinators in the future.

“If all of our native plants are struggling, then we need to find new sources of pollen – for us all to survive.”

Continue Reading

Trending