Boxing has become all the rage in the last few years, and no, it’s not thanks to its rich history that runs throughout every country’s bloodlines – it’s because of the phenomenon that is ‘influencer culture’. If it weren’t for Joe Weller, a UK-based influencer with 2 million followers, and his mission to fight Theo Baker back in 2017, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
KSI, a new-age entrepreneur that began as one of these influencers, saw this fight back six years ago, and knew he had to have a slice of the pie. Since those humble beginnings, YouTube superstars all over the world have gone on to make millions in boxing matches set up for our entertainment. Though there is much said that this could be ruining the face of ‘real boxing’ as we know it – it’s still a form of sport that’s facing a meteoric rise in today’s internet culture world.
There have been plenty of YouTubers facing the ring because of the money signs that come with it – so this article will look at three of the biggest paydays we’ve seen, and who these influencers are.
Tommy Fury
Though not particularly classed as a ‘YouTuber’ per say, Tommy Fury’s claim to fame is his rise in the hit reality TV show, Love Island. On a mission to become a boxer, like his World Heavyweight Champion brother, Tyson Fury, Tommy took to the show to be seen for his desire to box. Though the 24-year-old didn’t win the show, he left after finding love in his now partner, Molly Mae, along with the backing on social media to begin his frivolous boxing career.
Unlike his brother, Tommy has had to take boxing fights that aren’t classed as ‘too’ serious in the boxing world, as he is being offered a lot more to fight YouTubers. His first YouTube fight was against American Youtuber Jake Paul, where he was paid £4.5 million, making it the most lucrative of his boxing career thus far. Proving that YouTube boxing fights make a lot more money than real boxing, where Tommy was paid under £11,000 for his US debut fight with Anthony Taylor in 2021.
His most recent fight is also one that is classed as a ‘Youtuber fight’, and that was between him and KSI. Awkwardly a tough fight, though Tommy is supposed to be a professional, Tommy ended up coming out on top – and winning in the millions once again.
Though he’s a fully trained boxer unlike his influencer sparring partners, Tommy should be the one with the skills to win, and there should be no competition. The pay-per-view sums they get from these fights are huge, and the bets against him make their watchers thousands. Most people place a bet that he will knock out his competitor in the first rounds, so the bookmakers are always seeing green when it’s a Tommy Fury fight.
He’s currently on the lookout for a fight with none other than the former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight Champion, Conor McGregor, so watch this space for the showdown. Millions will flock to watch the fight and bet big on Conor, so any future fights in UFC odds relating to either of these two are going to be huge. Stay tuned for if that fight will go ahead, and if it does, Tommy will be winning millions.
2) Jake Paul
Ah, Jake Paul, the one who made Tommy his millions in his first YouTube fight. Jake is the ultimate Youtuber making money at everything he turns his hands to; and ever since his YouTube launch in 2014, he’s seen green everywhere he looks.
Forbes estimated that in 2021 alone, the creator-turned-boxer earned $40 million that year, and it’s only gone up since then. Though he didn’t win, his fight against Tommy Fury saw him take a payday purse of £24.4 million, which is eye-wateringly bigger than Fury’s. He’s got the marketing, he’s got the brains, and everything that he touches turns to gold.
3) KSI
Starting as a FIFA streamer back in 2009, KSI has come leaps and bounds. Today, the 30-year-old takes a gamble at anything he can, whether it’s the all-new hydration drink, Prime, or being the CEO of Misfits Boxing. KSI’s biggest payday from fighting was all thanks to his fight with Tommy Fury in October 2023, where he was expected to take home over £10 million.
He also made millions from the pay-per-view watches, along with a healthy £20 million in earnings from his boxing career so far. KSI has made moves that many haven’t thought to do, he’s smart, he’s a good enough fighter to beat some of the best, and he’s investing his money smartly – We can’t wait to see where he will take influencer boxing in 10 years.
Lots of diehard boxing and UFC fans are in dismay regarding this influencer culture that’s taking over the sport – but it’s bringing in a new herd of watchers and creating a newfound love for the world of boxing.
