KSI AND FOURNIER PREPARE TO LOCK HORNS

KSI’s latest boxing endeavour sees him take on an ex-pro, as he attempts to deliver just a little kick in the balls to rival Jake Paul. But, before worrying about the enemy in the distance, it is the enemy in front that KSI must be aware of.

Self-proclaimed ‘billionaire’ Joe Fournier didn’t set the boxing world alight during his career. His nine wins and nine knockouts can be somewhat invalidated with a browse of Boxrec.

Yet he will be a step above anything KSI has shared the ring with so far. It is without doubt a bold move from KSI and team. Sitting on the Jake Paul loss and picking simpler fights was the easier, and probably more tempting, option.

But to his credit, KSI has always been one to take the game forward.

The challenge Fournier brings will be unlike anything he would have seen in a competitive ring. There will be no hesitancy, no flakiness, and definitely no lack of technique.

This one we can consider A REAL FIGHT.

Sure, Fournier does not bring the reward a Tommy Fury does. But as a checkpoint of progress for what we all consider an absolute novice… you would have to hold your hands up and say fair f****.

If not, KSI wouldn’t be one to care. His journey is fuelled by attention from both sides of the audience. So, whether it’s good, or bad, it’s keeping him as one of boxing’s hottest attractions.

Just think, KSI could end the weekend sharing a win with David Haye.

Mental.

Stateside this weekend we have the return of Rolly Romero, who a year on from defeat to Gervonta Davis begins his 140lb campaign against the veteran Ismael Barroso in Las Vegas.

Loose-lipped, brash, and unrestrained with raw talent to match, Rolly is a welcome addition to a bubbling division.

However, being given the chance to fight for the WBA Interim title against a fighter who has fought five rounds in four years stinks of promotional privilege. Ohara Davies is the number one contender and can be forgiven for perhaps having a little sulk this weekend.

The Kazakh beast Zhanibek Alimkhanuly is back to defend his WBO middleweight strap against Steven Butler in California. The Canadian built his way back into contention after a faultless 2022.

It was a much-needed year too, after back-to-back defeats to Ryota Murata and Jose Macias. Now, with the realisation that his freakish power is not to be solely relied on, he has supplemented his armoury and looks an improved fighter.

But in Zhanibek he has a monstrous task. A close fight with Denzel Bentley last time out removed his cloak of invincibility, even still there is no doubt that this is a fighter amongst the upper echelons of the sport.

It could make for a cracking fight.

Jason Moloney is hoping it will be third time lucky in the chief support as he goes for bantamweight gold against Vincent Astrolabio.

For Moloney, defeat will likely deliver the final nail in a coffin that would sit as a stark reminder of underachievement. This is a fighter who has come too far to walk away from the sport without a crowning night.

But in Astrolabio he faces a fighter ranked at number four by Ring Magazine. This is no easy task, and Moloney has to be right on his game.

Enjoy your weekend boxing fans.

Oscar Bevis