KSI’s controversial ‘elbow KO’ of Joe Fournier officially under review with decision days away
JOE FOURNIER has officially lodged an appeal following his controversial knockout loss to KSI.
The nightclub tycoon-turned boxer faced YouTube sensation KSI on Saturday night at Wembley Arena.
It ended in chaos when Fournier was left out for the count in round two and unable to continue.
But replays revealed KSI landed an accidental but illegal elbow which looked to have caused the KO.
Despite the post-fight footage revealing the brutal blow, the win still stood causing Fournier to threaten action against organisers.
And now the Professional Boxing Association – who sanctioned the bout – confirmed to SunSport that Fournier has appealed the loss.
A statement read: “We have invited representations from each contestant and their representatives before the matter is reviewed in line with our rules and procedures.
“We are also seeking legal counsel as to the issues involved to ensure all matters are dealt with properly and fairly while seeking to uphold the integrity of boxing.
“Any decision or otherwise on the matter will be made available to the contestants on or before 4pm GMT Friday 19th May 2023.
“No further comment will be made until after that time.”
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Fournier, 40, has called for a rematch while he was joined by KSI’s arch rival Jake Paul in claiming a disqualification or no-contest should be ruled.
Paul, 26, tweeted: “I respect boxing too much to respect what that was.
“If that was indeed a real boxing match it will be ruled a no contest or disqualification.”
KSI, 29, broke his silence on social media a day after the fight to express his disappointment in the inconclusive ending.
He wrote: “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 so much.
“Unfortunately the victory which was inevitable no matter what, is tarnished and I hate that. It sucks!
“After landing my overhand 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 my glove made contact but appears to have been followed by unintentional contact with my forearm.
Unfortunately the victory which was inevitable no matter what, is tarnished and I hate that. It sucks!
KSI
“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.
“Either way 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.”
But again he was questioned by Paul, who responded: “Why you lying still? No part of your glove made contact with Joe’s face on that elbow.
“That was not a hook. That was straight up a right elbow to the jawbone. Good form but wrong sport.
“Your whole promotion is sham. Bad look for the sport of boxing. Your “commission” PBA should hold itself to a higher standard.
“I hope England Boxing starts to oversee this product and makes it safer for everyone.”
KSI had come into the fight with five wins and only one draw compared to Fournier, who had a 9-0 pro record.
And he has already set his sights on fighting Tommy Fury, 24, next.
Fury, who beat Paul in February, was ringside in London and went face to face with KSI in the ring, which resulted in a shoving match.
They agreed to face each other next and KSI doubled down on his challenge when taking to Twitter.
He posted: “Outboxed and outclassed in every department. Onto the next, Tommy Fury, let’s do this.”