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<span class="wait-font-load"> We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. </span> <br>"I get messages all the time from people, saying I’ve made them get into boxing,” he tells Men’s Health<br>The idea of <a class="body-link" href="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a40967727/ksi-boxing-fitness-workout/" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a40967727/ksi-boxing-fitness-workout/" rel="noopener">YouTubers being billed as professional boxers</a>, above an undercard of genuine world title fights, has understandably ruffled a few feathers. While a few commentators have argued their participation brings more eyes to the sport, others have likened their inclusion to “the boxing equivalent of <em>The X Factor” </em>and claimed it cheapens the sport.<br><br>As a straight-talking London native, KSI has a few thoughts of his own on the subject. “Boxing is bigger than ever these days," <a class="body-link" href="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a30749181/ksi-boxing-mental-health-interview/" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/fitness/a30749181/ksi-boxing-mental-health-interview/" rel="noopener">he explains in an interview with Men's Health</a>. “It’s getting more and more people enjoying it and embracing the lifestyle. I get messages all the time from people, saying I’ve made them get into boxing, that they felt a bit lost and that boxing has given them some purpose. I think it’s done wonders.”<br>On-demand sports network DAZN commentator and podcaster Brian ‘True Geordie’ Davis agrees fighters with online followings have undoubtedly bolstered the sport. “In terms of eyeballs, in terms of views online, <a class="body-link" href="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/entertainment/a41647093/ksi-calls-out-jake-paul-for-picking-easy-fights/" target="_blank" data-vars-ga-outbound-link="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/entertainment/a41647093/ksi-calls-out-jake-paul-for-picking-easy-fights/" rel="noopener">Jake Paul v KSI </a>would be bigger in terms of attention [than any other match possible today],” he says. “Is that deserved? Have they done the years and years? Maybe not. But they’ve worked hard in a different way. That’s why it’s deserved. I know pro-boxing fans might hate to hear that.”<br>For what it's worth, KSI speaks about the legacy he wants to leave in the sport. It’s clear from his demeanour – and his 3-0 professional record – that this is a man who takes his sport seriously, and has a deep love for it. Like Davis touches upon, KSI certainly feels like he’s earned his place. “I’ve always been the underdog,” he says. “People go, “You can’t do this, you can’t do that.” I love proving people wrong, making them go, “Oh shit.” When people tell me I can’t do something, it just makes me want to do it more.”<br><br><a href="https://www.menshealth.com/uk/entertainment/a41639615/ksi-hits-back-at-critics-of-youtuber-boxing-matches/">source</a>
