Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis: Why there is so much interest in this bizarre matchup of non-traditional boxers
CBSN
Despite breakout performances from some of boxing and MMA's bright stars, these two have brought out a whole new audience
Logan Paul vs. Dillon Danis has been a regular fixture in the combat sports cycle since its announcement on July 30. The interest persists despite quality showcases by Terence Crawford, Justin Gaethje, Canelo Alvarez, Sean O'Malley and Sean Strickland in the time since. But why do so many people care about the Misfits Boxing card taking place at the 21,000-capacity Manchester Arena in Manchester, England on Saturday?
The Paul brothers and KSI cast a wide net of interest beyond their beginnings on video platforms like YouTube and Vine. Logan Paul has dazzled as a part-time WWE superstar, competing on multiple WrestleManias and headlining a pay-per-view against undisputed world champion Roman Reigns. Jake Paul emerged as a credible celebrity boxer with wins over three mixed martial arts champions and a recent victory against Nate Diaz, one of Conor Mcgregor's rivals. KSI is a legitimate celebrity in the United Kingdom with 10 Top 10 songs and albums that have gone No. 2 and No. 1.
Logan Paul and Jake Paul are technically -- loosely speaking -- professional boxers but MMA is their real target. It's a unique two-pronged assault with the Paul brothers playing good cop, bad cop with the UFC. Logan Paul and KSI's Prime beverage is an official UFC partner; meanwhile, Jake Paul spars with UFC president Dana White in the media and works with the Professional Fighters League while beating up MMA's heroes in boxing.
