Is Misfits Boxing Taking Over the Sport of Boxing?

Misfits Boxing has quickly become one of the most talked about promotions in the world, sparking debates about whether influencer boxing is overtaking traditional boxing. Founded by KSI, Mams Taylor, and promoters Kalle and Nisse Sauerland under Wasserman Boxing, Misfits officially launched in 2022. The brand’s debut event, MF & DAZN: X Series 001, took place at London’s O2 Arena and marked the beginning of a new wave of entertainment driven combat sports.

How It All Started

The roots of Misfits Boxing trace back to the explosion of YouTube boxing in 2018 when KSI fought Joe Weller and later Logan Paul. Those events proved that social media personalities could attract global audiences, sell out arenas, and generate pay per view numbers that rival professional boxing. Realizing the potential, KSI and his partners developed Misfits Boxing to bring structure and professionalism to what had started as viral spectacle fights.

What Makes Misfits Boxing Unique

Unlike traditional boxing promotions that focus purely on skill and rankings, Misfits centers around personalities, online followings, and entertainment value. Every event is a mix of combat and showmanship, built for the digital era. Its fighters, mainly influencers, streamers, and TikTok stars, bring with them millions of followers and unmatched social media reach. This fanbase allows Misfits to attract attention beyond the typical boxing audience, particularly among younger viewers.

The promotion also operates under a five year deal with DAZN, signed in 2023, to broadcast its events globally. Its mix of crossover athletes, hybrid fight formats, and viral marketing has created a modern entertainment brand that blends boxing with pop culture.

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Influencer Fighters Who Outshine Professionals

Some Misfits stars are more recognizable than many licensed boxers. KSI himself, a YouTuber turned musician, headlines most major cards. Other big names include Deji Olatunji, TikTok sensation Salt Papi, and YouTuber Slim Albaher, all of whom have fanbases rivaling those of world champions. Fighters like AnEsonGib and King Kenny also attract huge online audiences, while their bouts often trend globally on social media platforms.

These influencers may not have the same boxing pedigree as professionals, but their reach and charisma often generate more pay per view buys and mainstream buzz than many traditional boxing matches.

Influencer / Fighter	Main Platform & Followers (Millions)	Notable Misfits Appearance / Relevance
Logan Paul	Instagram – 26.9 M	Fought Dillon Danis on The Prime Card
KSI	Instagram – 12.9 M	Founder of Misfits Boxing, fought FaZe Temperrr and Tommy Fury
Fousey (Yousef Erakat)	Instagram – 8.0 M	Fought Deji and Chase DeMoor
Deji Olatunji	Instagram – 3.4 M	Fought Swarmz, Fousey, and Floyd Mayweather (exhibition)
Joey Essex	Instagram – 2.0 M	Made boxing debut on Misfits 22
Chase DeMoor	Instagram – 2.0 M	Fought Josh Brueckner and Fousey
Andrew Tate	X (Twitter) – 11.0 M	Influencer and former kickboxing world champion signed to Misfits
Darren Till	Instagram – 0.38 M	Former UFC fighter now part of crossover boxing scene

Is Misfits Really Taking Over?

While Misfits Boxing is not replacing traditional boxing, it is certainly reshaping the landscape. The promotion brings younger fans to the sport, an audience that boxing had largely lost. Its success has forced major promoters to rethink their strategies and incorporate entertainment driven elements to stay relevant.

However, there is still a clear divide between Misfits and elite boxing. Purists argue that influencer fights dilute the sport’s integrity and reduce it to a popularity contest. Yet, the undeniable truth is that Misfits events sell out arenas, dominate online conversation, and draw numbers most professional cards can only dream of.

The Future of Misfits Boxing

Misfits shows no signs of slowing down. The company continues to expand globally, experimenting with new formats such as tag team boxing and crossover fights between influencers and professionals. Its partnership with DAZN ensures international visibility, and as the influencer space grows, so does Misfits’ potential audience.

Traditional boxing may still hold the prestige and legacy, but Misfits has captured the attention of a generation raised on YouTube, TikTok, and streaming culture. It might not take over the sport completely, but it has undeniably changed what boxing looks like in the modern era.