The hype and thrash talk is just the same but there's one massive difference to KSI v Logan Paul 2 - this time it's for real.
Dubbed the biggest event in internet history, for the rematch the YouTubers have been granted professional boxing licences. And that means they'll settle their grudge with smaller 10oz gloves, and without the shock-absorbing head guards used in their first contest, which ended in a draw.
Make no mistake, these guys are taking this fight seriously, both camps have enlisted the help of legendary cornermen and former world champions to give them the extra edge. Here's a rundown of who we can expect to see in KSI and Logan Paul's corners at the Staples Centre come Saturday night...
Shannon 'The Cannon' Briggs: Logan Paul's head coach
Briggs is a two-time heavyweight champion and brings a wealth of experience having mixed it at the top level with the likes of Ukrainian legend Vitali Klitschko. The brash New Yorker, who enjoys nothing more than bellowing "let's go champ" at anyone that will listen, also understands how to hype a fight. Speaking at a media event in Los Angeles, Paul opened up on his reasons for recruiting ‘The Cannon’:
“We brought him into camp so he can transfer his 35 years of boxing knowledge to me. Every day he teaches me more and more on what it means to be a professional fighter and a cold-hearted killer. That’s what I’m becoming. This is no longer a joke.”
Milton ‘Supreme’ LaCroix: Logan Paul’s trainer
With over 20 years of coaching experience, they don’t get more legendary than Milton ‘Supreme’ LaCroix. The founder of Supreme Team Boxing and the subject of Robert Anasi’s classic book ‘The Gloves’ - a must-read for any boxing enthusiast - has guided over fifty Golden Gloves champions dating back to the early 90s.
LaCroix took the aforementioned Briggs from boxing obscurity to Heavyweight Champion of the World in 2006 and will be looking to work similar magic in the corner of Logan Paul this weekend.
‘Uncle’ Jeff Mayweather: KSI's team advisor
Mayweather is a former world champion and uncle to Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather. The 55-year-old enjoyed a decent career before moving on to train and manage fighters, including having a hand in Floyd's early contests.
Drafted into camp by protege Viddal Riley, Mayweather will add some much-needed experience and defensive acumen. KSI, real name Olajide William Olatunji, endured a lot of punishment from Paul during their first showdown in Manchester. The American's main responsibility as team advisor will be to try to plug the holes in KSI's leaky defence.
Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran: KSI's cutman
Legendary cutman Jacob ‘Stitch’ Duran is recognised as the best in the business. On fight night, Duran's responsibilities are to wrap KSI's hands and treat swelling and cuts between rounds. The American brings elite level experience, having worked alongside boxing champions Andre Ward and Amir Khan, and UFC legends Anderson Silva and Georges St-Pierre.
The highly-rated cornerman also appeared in several movies, including Rocky and Ocean's Eleven. It was on the set of the latter that he started a long term friendship with former unified world champion Wladimir Klitschko. "Stich" cornered for Klitschko on the night Anthony Joshua retired the Ukrainian back in 2017.
