Sports

Josh Warrington: Billy Joe Saunders could gain 1million new fans after KSI-Logan Paul II


Saunders’ first Matchroom fight is in LA (Picture: Getty)

Josh Warrington has backed Billy Joe Saunders inclusion on the undercard of KSI’s rematch with Logan Paul.

Saunders defends his WBO super middleweight title against Argentine Marcelo Esteban Coceres at the Los Angeles Staples Center on Saturday night, as part of a promotional push from Matchroom to capitalise on the YouTubers’ selling power.

After swapping promoters in August, the appearance on KSI and Logan Paul’s undercard is Saunders’ first fight with Eddie Hearn. Matchroom are predicting big numbers for the rematch after hitching their wagon to what Warrington described as a ‘mockery’ to boxing.

The warring internet personalities have gone pro for their second fight and Saunders faced a wave of ridicule from fans and fellow boxers for agreeing to be on their undercard.

Rising American star Devin Haney is also on the ticket and Warrington praised Saunders for accepting a slot on the controversial fight card.

‘My nephew is eight years old and he watches these YouTubers all day long,’ Warrington explained to Metro.co.uk.

Saunders is a world champion and holder of the WBO title (Picture: Getty)

‘It’s guys uploading videos of themselves playing video games, but somehow they have millions of followers.

‘I know KSI and Logan Paul have been getting a lot of stick and rightly so.

‘Die-hard boxing fans know it’s a mockery, but that being said, you’ve got to see the positives.

‘If it gets a younger generation into the sport, then it’s a win for us boxers.

‘If 10million tune in and 1m of that watch Devin Haney or Billy Joe Saunders’ next fight, then that’s a win.

‘That’s new fans. I’ve seen fighters moaning about Saunders and Devin Haney on the undercard, but there’s positives there.’

Hearn is hopeful KSI vs Logan Paul II will be a big seller (Picture: Getty)

Saunders is targeting a unification fight with Canelo Alvarez. The British fighter has enjoyed fight week, even aiming a few digs of his own at KSI and Logan.

Hearn believes the rematch could match the 1m sales the first fight did, but Warrington won’t be one of the punters tuning in.

Asked if Warrington intended to watch KSI and Logan in action, he replied: ‘I’ve actually got plans that night…around 9.30pm LA time, I’ll be busy. Think I’m pouring acid into my eyeballs.’

MORE: KSI vs Logan Paul 2 fight date, start time, undercard, weigh in and how to watch the rematch in the UK

MORE: Logan Paul and KSI’s savage row ahead of boxing rematch revealed and it gets really weird





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