YouTube celebrity Logan Paul has filed an appeal aimed at overturning the result of his loss to rival vlogger KSI stemming from their rematch in Los Angeles’ Staples Center earlier in November.
Paul came up short on the judges’ scorecards, losing a split decision (55–56, 57–54, 56–55) in what was both men’s professional boxing debuts. The scorecards were impacted by two points deducted from Paul by the referee for landing shots to the back of KSI’s head shortly after dropping the Brit with an uppercut.
KSI outlined afterwards that he wouldn’t be open to a third fight with his American rival and with the prospect of revenge in the ring looking to be ruled out, Paul looks to be trying another avenue to get one back after launching an official appeal to the California State Athletic Commission for what he deems to be an unfair result.
“The two point deduction was the reason I full out split decision lost the fight,” Paul told TMZ. “My team and I have decided to file an official appeal for the fight because we just don’t believe that the outcome was right. By no means am I afraid of losing, but I truthfully 100% believe I did not lose this fight.”
A representative of the CSAC told the same publication that they have now received Paul’s appeal and they will evaluate it before deciding if it merits an official hearing.
The match was a huge success for broadcaster DAZN and rivalled the viewership figures for some of the sport’s traditionally biggest stars. It was condemned by large swathes of the boxing community who saw the fight as a money-making ploy and complained the two novice fighters headlined a card which featured the likes of world champion Billy Joe Saunders as well as the hugely promising undefeated fighter Devin Haney on the undercard.
Further word is expected on the commission’s determination of the matter in the coming weeks.
