KSI got a surprising round 2 KO victory against Joe Fournier. However, KSI appears to be connected with his elbow in the replay footage rather than his fist, resulting in Fournier calling him out for “cheating” his way to the win.
With a bout as big as Joe Fournier vs. KSI, anything but a clean knockout from either side was bound to be a controversial result.
KSI appeared to get exactly that, landing a blow directly to Joe Fournier’s nose and sending him tumbling to the ground. The moment KSI made contact, commentators and fans knew the fight was over.
However, upon further review, it appeared that KSI hit Fournier with his forearm or elbow rather than making contact with his fist. Fournier claims that KSI “cheated” with the way he was knocked out and that the match result isn’t valid.
Fournier calls out KSI for “cheating” in KO victory
In an interview held immediately after the bout, Joe Fournier was visibly unhappy with the result and wasn’t shy to speak out about the knockout decision.
Joe Fournier's immediate reaction to his loss vs. KSI‼️😬[@fredpdbeck] pic.twitter.com/jvimPw1Vh9
— IFN (@IfnBoxing) May 13, 2023
“They cheated, clear in black and white. You’ve seen the replays, it’s gone viral all over the world. He hit me with a clean elbow. The ref was right there, watched it.” He continued, “I’ve never been cheated like that in my life. I can’t believe it.”
Whether or not the elbow was accidental has started a heated debate, but most people who have watched the clip agree that the elbow made contact for the knockout and not KSI’s fist.
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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. pic.twitter.com/YgNa7HIt3m
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) May 13, 2023
Jake Paul gave his opinion on the knockout, saying that KSI should have been disqualified.
KSI responds to Joe Fournier’s callout
KSI has since responded to the drama surrounding the manner in which he knocked Joe Fournier out, admitting that he made contact with his elbow and that the match result was “not as clean a win” as he wanted.
I worked very hard for this fight and had an intense and grueling 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…
— ksi (@KSI) May 14, 2023
KSI explained his rendition of events as they happened in the ring. “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.” It remains to be seen if the decision that KSI won the bout holds up.
A decision being reversed following the result of a fight isn’t exactly unprecedented, and it remains to be seen whether the result here is affected or if the two fighters end up hopping in the ring once again to see who emerges the victor.
But KSI may be a busy man if he responds to Tommy Fury’s callout in kind by touching gloves with him in the ring.