There was a moment during the KSI-Logan Paul 2 press conference in early October when AnEsonGib, more commonly known as Gib, stormed the stage and began trading insults with Jake Paul, before security stepped in to break up the skirmish.
As it turns out, the YouTubers will have a chance to clash after all. On Monday, it was announced that Jake Paul vs. Gib will serve as the co-feature to Demetrius Andrade vs. Luke Keeler at Meridian at Island Gardens in Miami, live on DAZN in the United States, on Jan. 30. The fight takes place during the week of Super Bowl 54, with the big game being played just three days later at Hard Rock Stadium on Feb. 2.
Paul, who witnessed his brother, Logan, fall short against KSI last month, can’t wait to throw hands in a YouTuber rivalry of his own.
“Coming into the sport of boxing as an undefeated champion amongst my peers, it’s my duty to set the bar as high as possible for others looking to cross over into the sport,” Paul said in a DAZN press release statement. “This is more than a fight to me. It’s a chance to show the world that anyone with a dream, vision, and the right work ethic, can overcome adversity and shine on the brightest stage."
The fact that Gib and KSI are friends only makes the matter more intriguing. Paul would love to use a victory vs. Gib to set the stage for avenging his brother's loss to KSI.
"This bout has deep roots," Paul added. "It’s a fight for my brother’s honor, my pride and most importantly my loyal fans who are among the best in the world. This is the American dream. Thursday, January 30, on DAZN, my opponent’s 15 minutes of fame turn into 10 seconds of counting stars as he lays unconscious on the canvas. And then, I’m coming for that wanker KSI.”
For Gib, this social media-charged fight against Paul is exactly what he wanted.
“After six months of Jakey ducking, the fight is finally going down,” said Gib. “He had no choice of his opponent, I chose him. Since my last fight I have been training nonstop and January 30 in Miami, I will end the fight in devastating fashion and will have my hand raised in front of his country, family and friends. Jake Paul is going to be my walking, talking ad for the rest of his days.”
After achieving success with Logan Paul-KSI 2 on DAZN last month, Matchroom Boxing USA president Eddie Hearn is excited about two more YouTubers bringing their massive social media following to boxing. Jake Paul, 22, is the most viewed internet star in the U.S. with more than 36 million followers across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter. He made his amateur boxing debut in 2018, when he defeated KSI’s brother. AnEsonGib is a UK YouTuber who initially came onto the scene through his humorous videos surrounding the popular video game series FIFA. Gib is a popular cult hero in the UK YouTube scene and is friends with other famous YouTubers such as The Sidemen. Gib previously fought as an amateur, the first time on the KSI vs. Joe Weller undercard in February 2018 and then again on the KSI vs. Logan Paul undercard in August 2018. The 23-year-old won both fights and is trained by KSI's trainer, Viddal Riley.
Hearn believes he has another smash hit on his hands promoting this bout.
“January 30 in Miami just became a whole lot bigger,” Hearn said. “After the huge success of KSI vs. Logan Paul 2 which broke broadcast numbers worldwide and also got nominated as Ring Magazine ‘Event of the Year,’ I’m delighted to add Jake Paul vs. Gib to our world championship tripleheader on Super Bowl weekend in Miami, live on DAZN. Ever since the last event, people have been sliding into my DMs from all around the world to make this fight, so hopefully now I will get some rest at Christmas!
"Same rules apply, 10-ounce gloves, no headguards and both going through the full professional protocol," he added. "It’s USA vs. UK once again! Los Angeles was wild, I have a feeling Miami will be next level.”