KSI issues statement on controversial Joe Fournier elbow KO as boxing authorities weigh up OVERTURNING YouTuber’s win
KSI has issued a statement on his controversial win over Joe Fournier – which is in line to be investigated.
The YouTube sensation remained unbeaten with a second-round knockout of the self-proclaimed billionaire at Wembley Arena on Saturday night.
But it was a right elbow from The Nightmare that flattened the 40-year-old and handed him his latest victory.
The YouTuber turned boxer initially denied cracking Fournier with the illegal strike but has since changed his tune.
The 29-year-old wrote on Instagram: “I worked very hard for this fight and had an intense and gruelling camp.
“There’s no better feeling than being in that ring and having my hand raised in front of my loyal and amazing fans, who I appreciate very much.
“Unfortunately, the victory, which was inevitable no matter what, is tarnished and I hate that. It sucks!”
Despite cameras showing otherwise, KSI is adamant he clipped Fournier with a short right hook before the fight-ending elbow landed.
He continued: “After landing my overhand right, he was pretty much out on his feet and I went for a short right hook as Joe clinched me and fell into me.
“I landed that hook and the glove made contact but appears to have been followed by unintentional contact with my forearm.
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“I’m gutted that it’s not as clean a win as I wanted and it feels like it diminishes my hard work with my trainers.”
KSI then sent a message to his loyal supporters, saying: “I hope you enjoyed the show and appreciate the support.
“Sorry to all the fans disappointed with it. No one is more so than me.”
According to The Daily Mail, the fight is set to be reviewed by boxing authorities – who have the power to overturn the result to a no-contest.
When discussing his defeat with Fred Peck, a fuming Fournier said: “He cheated – clear, black and white.
“You’ve all seen the replays, it’s gone viral, it’s all over the world.
“He hit me with a clean elbow, and the ref was right there, watched it.
“Obviously [KSI] owns the promotion; when you’re fighting the promoter on his own show… I’ve never been cheated like that in my life.
“I can’t believe [it]… I came on this promotion to teach kids that you’ve got to do the right things, got to be ethical, got to work hard for everything you get.
“Not to cheat and you win.
“I saw the punch go past my face, and then he hits me with an elbow. Literally, I felt bone.
“Of course, you’ve got to run it back; he should be disqualified, that should go down as a loss.”