http://www.espn.com/boxing/story/_/...ght-numbers-make-envious-says-kalle-sauerland
Promoter Kalle Sauerland has told ESPN he is "envious" of the money that will be made during Saturday night's fight between YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul.
Sauerland was in London promoting the World Boxing Super Series super-middleweight final between WBA champion George Groves and challenger Callum Smith, which takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 28.
Many more are expected to pay £7.50 ($10) to stream the fight on YouTube. In February, 1.6 million people streamed KSI's boxing debut against fellow YouTuber Joe Weller, with the fight amassing 20 million more views since.But Saturday's fight between the two social media influencers is likely to attract a far larger audience. KSI and Logan Paul have 37 million YouTube subscribers between them and have sold 15,000 tickets for their bout at the Manchester Arena.
Sauerland, who is chief boxing officer for WBSS creators Comosa AG, admitted that he had only heard of the fight the night before but was blown away by the figures.
"We had a dinner with my kids and a friend, and they told me about it," Sauerland told ESPN. "It was the first time I'd heard about it. So I'm fully up-to-date now. I think it's sensational, but I've got to say, as a promoter, I'm envious of the numbers I hear.
"As a boxing fan, I think it's a bit of a laugh. I don't think they take themselves seriously. What I do find great is that they're taking these kids out of their bedrooms and away from the PlayStation and actually doing a physical activity for real. Not esports or anything -- they're actually doing something. So I hope it motivates kids to pick up some gloves and hit a bag.
"I'm not going to knock it. Sure, everyone in boxing is knocking it, but I'm not going to knock it, because I think as a businessman and a promoter, I'm, well, jealous. Get my number, give me a call, I'll help you!"
The fight was confirmed in March after KSI called Paul out in the ring after his debut victory against Weller. The 24-year-old English comedian and actor, whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji, has trained with boxers Floyd Mayweather and Badou Jack in Los Angeles.
Paul, 22, is no stranger to controversy and was suspended from YouTube earlier this year after the American posted images of what appeared to be a suicide victim online.
The YouTubers agreed to a two-fight deal, with a rematch in the U.S. already confirmed.
"I mean, maybe that's something we should look at it boxing," Sauerland added. "Book the rematch in already! But joking aside, it's going to be a huge commercial success.
"Don't take this as boxing. I mean, these are YouTubers. I feel I'd smash them up. I'm not exactly taking this seriously and thinking that this will destroy the sport of boxing. If I hear anyone say that, we'll have a real debate, because that's rubbish. We're talking about kids."
Promoter Kalle Sauerland has told ESPN he is "envious" of the money that will be made during Saturday night's fight between YouTube stars KSI and Logan Paul.
Sauerland was in London promoting the World Boxing Super Series super-middleweight final between WBA champion George Groves and challenger Callum Smith, which takes place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Sept. 28.
Many more are expected to pay £7.50 ($10) to stream the fight on YouTube. In February, 1.6 million people streamed KSI's boxing debut against fellow YouTuber Joe Weller, with the fight amassing 20 million more views since.But Saturday's fight between the two social media influencers is likely to attract a far larger audience. KSI and Logan Paul have 37 million YouTube subscribers between them and have sold 15,000 tickets for their bout at the Manchester Arena.
Sauerland, who is chief boxing officer for WBSS creators Comosa AG, admitted that he had only heard of the fight the night before but was blown away by the figures.
"We had a dinner with my kids and a friend, and they told me about it," Sauerland told ESPN. "It was the first time I'd heard about it. So I'm fully up-to-date now. I think it's sensational, but I've got to say, as a promoter, I'm envious of the numbers I hear.
"As a boxing fan, I think it's a bit of a laugh. I don't think they take themselves seriously. What I do find great is that they're taking these kids out of their bedrooms and away from the PlayStation and actually doing a physical activity for real. Not esports or anything -- they're actually doing something. So I hope it motivates kids to pick up some gloves and hit a bag.
"I'm not going to knock it. Sure, everyone in boxing is knocking it, but I'm not going to knock it, because I think as a businessman and a promoter, I'm, well, jealous. Get my number, give me a call, I'll help you!"
The fight was confirmed in March after KSI called Paul out in the ring after his debut victory against Weller. The 24-year-old English comedian and actor, whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji, has trained with boxers Floyd Mayweather and Badou Jack in Los Angeles.
Paul, 22, is no stranger to controversy and was suspended from YouTube earlier this year after the American posted images of what appeared to be a suicide victim online.
The YouTubers agreed to a two-fight deal, with a rematch in the U.S. already confirmed.
"I mean, maybe that's something we should look at it boxing," Sauerland added. "Book the rematch in already! But joking aside, it's going to be a huge commercial success.
"Don't take this as boxing. I mean, these are YouTubers. I feel I'd smash them up. I'm not exactly taking this seriously and thinking that this will destroy the sport of boxing. If I hear anyone say that, we'll have a real debate, because that's rubbish. We're talking about kids."
