On March 29, 2025, the AO Arena in Manchester, England, will play host to another chapter in the bizarre world of influencer boxing: KSI vs. Dillon Danis. Dubbed “Unfinished Business” by Misfits Boxing Series 21, this six-round scrap at 185 pounds isn’t your traditional sweet science showdown. It’s a grudge match between a YouTube star turned part-time pugilist and an MMA loudmouth dipping his toes into the ring—less Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao, more reality TV with gloves. To some, it’s a guilty pleasure; to others, it’s a mockery of combat sports.
KSI and Dillon Danis’ Feud
The beef between KSI (Olajide Olatunji) and Dillon Danis dates back to January 2023, when they were set to clash at Misfits Series 004. Danis bailed at the last minute, blaming shaky prep and contract woes, leaving KSI to batter FaZe Temperrr instead. Fans roasted Danis for flaking, and KSI didn’t let it slide, turning their near-miss into a two-year vendetta. Fast forward to 2025, and here we are—less about boxing pedigrees and more about settling scores and cashing checks.
KSI last fought in October 2023, dropping a sloppy decision to Tommy Fury in a bout that had purists rolling their eyes. Danis, meanwhile, debuted that night against Logan Paul—KSI’s Prime Hydration buddy—only to get disqualified for a half-baked takedown attempt in Round 6. Critics called it a clown show, and the stench of that fiasco still lingers. Now, with egos bruised and X timelines ablaze, they’re back to give the people what they (sort of) want.
Pancakes and Provocations
The buildup has been pure influencer chaos. At a March 4 presser, KSI whacked Danis with a pancake—a Shrove Tuesday nod that doubled as payback for Danis tossing coffee at him back in ’23. It was less “Rumble in the Jungle” and more “Brawl at Breakfast,” with security breaking up the silliness as fans on X ate it up. “Only in influencer boxing,” one user quipped, summing up the absurdity.
KSI’s talking a big game, vowing to “knock out Dillon Danis” and torch his combat sports dreams. “His fight with Tony Ferguson? Dead. His career? Dead,” he posted on X, leaning into the drama. Danis, ever the troll, fired back, claiming he’s training with UFC champ Alex Pereira and calling KSI an “easy mark.” He even dropped some shaky sparring clips online—prompting fans to jest, “Bro’s still fighting the air”—before winking that he’s sandbagging to psych KSI out. It’s less tactical mind games, more playground taunts.
Two Amateurs, One Ring
Don’t expect a masterclass here. KSI, 31, has a 4-1 (1NC) “pro” record—wins over Logan Paul and Swarmz, but his Fury loss showed he’s no ring general. He’s got power and hustle, sure, but his technique’s raw, more enthusiasm than finesse. Danis, also 31, is a jiu-jitsu ace with zero boxing chops beyond the Paul mess. His Pereira training might add some punch, but those sparring vids have X users snarking, “He’s still swinging like it’s his first day.” With no grappling allowed, he’s a fish out of water.
Critics of influencer boxing—plenty of whom call it a “sideshow” or “glorified sparring”—won’t find much to change their minds. It’s not about crisp jabs or footwork; it’s about who can land the harder haymaker while the crowd cheers (or jeers).
Stakes? Sort Of
For KSI, it’s a chance to flex his Misfits Boxing clout and prove he’s still the king of this niche. A loss to Danis, though, might make even his diehards question the hype. Danis needs a win to dodge the “washed” label—he’s got an MMA fight with Tony Ferguson looming in May—but another flop could cement him as a punchline. Neither’s chasing a world title; they’re chasing clout and YouTube views.
How to Watch
Catch it on DAZN PPV—main card kicks off at 5 PM GMT (12 PM ET / 9 AM PT), with KSI and Danis likely strolling out around 10 PM GMT (5 PM ET / 2 PM PT). It’s £19.99 in the UK plus a DAZN sub, with prices shifting globally. The undercard’s got Darren Till vs. Darren Stewart, which might actually resemble real boxing, but don’t hold your breath.
Prediction: Messy, Not Masterful
KSI’s got the edge—more fights, more ring time, and a chip on his shoulder. Danis might bob and weave (badly), but his boxing’s untested, and those Pereira lessons won’t turn him into Rocky overnight. Look for KSI to swarm early, land something wild, and end it by Round 4—not because he’s a technician, but because Danis might just turtle under pressure. It’ll be sloppy, it’ll be loud, and it’ll be over quick.
The Verdict
KSI vs. Dillon Danis isn’t high-level boxing—it’s influencer theater with fists. Purists will scoff, and they’re not wrong; this is substandard compared to the pros. But for the millions tuning in, it’s not about the sport—it’s about the spectacle. On March 29, Manchester gets a front-row seat to the chaos. Bring your popcorn (or pancakes).
Discussion about this post