Last year's influencer boxing event in Manchester emerged as one of the most significant pay-per-view bouts in the combat sports world, as per insights from Sky News. This trend of influencers stepping into the boxing ring has garnered widespread attention, but it also raises substantial safety concerns within the sport.

"Influencer boxing" involves popular YouTubers and internet personalities engaging in boxing matches against each other. Notably, figures like Jake Paul, Logan Paul, and KSI have risen to become some of the most recognizable names in this crossover phenomenon, with reported payouts reaching into the millions. The event in question reportedly amassed over a million sales and was organized by the prominent promotion company, Misfits Boxing.

The inaugural event held in August 2022 attracted nearly two million viewers on the DAZN Boxing streaming network, with a remarkable 90% of them being new subscribers. Kalle Sauerland, the president of Misfits Boxing and a seasoned promoter in traditional boxing, views influencer boxing as a transformative force within the sport.

According to Mr. Sauerland, "influencer boxing offers a unique form of entertainment, distinct from traditional boxing. While it may not showcase the technical prowess of legendary boxers like Muhammad Ali, it delivers compelling narratives and the kind of online drama that resonates with younger audiences, contributing to its widespread appeal."

The influencer boxing phenomenon originated modestly in 2018, with fights adhering to amateur regulations, including the mandatory use of headguards and 16oz gloves. However, as interest grew, the scene evolved to mirror the professional game, with the adoption of 10oz gloves and the removal of headguards, a transition that commenced in 2019.

This shift towards professional rules has led to an increase in stoppages and knockout victories, which are often used to promote the sport. However, considering the inherently dangerous nature of boxing and its potential for causing severe injury, particularly to the head, there are concerns about the suitability of influencer boxing for novices.

"While governing bodies are not legally mandated for overseeing professional influencer boxing events, given the critical health and safety considerations involved, their involvement is strongly recommended," says Spencer Oliver, a former European champion and an organizer of the first influencer boxing event in 2018.

Mr. Oliver emphasizes the importance of proper matchmaking to ensure balanced and safe contests, highlighting the potential risks associated with mismatched fights. He fears that inadequate matchmaking could lead to serious injuries, tarnishing the reputation of the sport and leaving a lasting negative impact.

In summary, while influencer boxing has captivated audiences worldwide and injected new energy into the sport, it also poses significant safety challenges that must be addressed responsibly to safeguard the well-being of participants and preserve the integrity of boxing as a whole.