YouTube boxer KSI feuds with former coach over claims he 'destroyed' AnEsonGib in early sparring session
Yesterday at 05:27 PM
Social media star KSI found himself in an intense verbal battle with his original coach during a ringside spat on Wednesday in Qatar.
The Misfits Boxing founder is one of the most notorious names in combat, and despite only fighting a few times has etched his name in history with some massive shows. He made his debut in 2018 when he stopped Joe Weller, before moving on to a pair of fights with Logan Paul which he drew and won.
A key factor in his camp for those famous early fights was Leon Wills, who alongside top cruiserweight prospect Viddal Riley trained him to outpoint Paul. But the pair have since gone their separate ways, with Wills now working with other fighters including AnEsonGib.
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KSI and AnEsonGib have turned from friends to foes this week
For years, KSI and AnEsonGib were the best of friends, collaborating on social media projects and even beginning their boxing journeys together in London in 2018. However, things have gone sour between the duo throughout the last few months culminating in a bust-up this week.
‘Gib’ has for years resisted the opportunity to fight on Misfits Boxing, which is run by his old pal. Instead, he has taken bigger money offers to take part on Social Gloves and Kingpyn Boxing, both of which ultimately went out of business.
But he has now finally agreed to join up with Misfits, and makes his debut under their banner against Slim Albaher on Thursday night. The pair are ostensibly fighting for the promotion’s super-middleweight title, but Gib claims he won’t accept the belt if they do compete.
In the lead-up, KSI has taken a very active stance in favor of Albaher, which is surprising given the pair were due to fight as recently as this August. He has made his prediction of a victory for the American clear, and has been antagonizing his old friend as much as possible.
KSI feuds with ex-trainer Leon Wills at Misfits Boxing event
During Thursday’s open workouts in Qatar, tensions almost boiled over between KSI and one of Gib’s coaches Leon Wills. As the main eventer was in the ring working out, his rival was goading him from ringside, leading to an altercation with the famed coach.
At yesterday’s press conference, KSI claimed to have ‘destroyed’ Gib during sparring sessions on their way up the ranks. But Wills insists it was a ‘Shark Tank’ style session where the pair did just two rounds before Gib moved on to another opponent.
After KSI claimed that Wills “saw the spar,” his old coach asked him to “tell me what happened”. KSI then insisted that “obliterated” his former friend, to which Wills replied “Let’s talk around the four-round spar,” and proceeded to detail how the session was in 20oz gloves and took just two rounds.
“You changed and someone else got in the ring,” Wills laughed. “You done two rounds, someone else came in the ring and sparred Gib and that was it… Listen did that happen? Be honest JJ… Everyone knows he starts slow, I’ll admit you looked good for two rounds.”
AnEsonGib opens up about KSI relationship
‘Gib’ appears to be taking everything with KSI in his stride during the build-up. He admits that he has taken on the role of sort of anti-hero going up against the promotion, which means he must be at odds with his former friend.
Speaking with Bloody Elbow in an exclusive chat, the Brit explained: “You know what? I’m coming for their best fighter, I don’t really like the roster and if he wants to back Slim then fair enough because Slim is his property. So I’m just going to destroy him with these [hands].
As for a potential bout between the two, it’s not top of the priorities list for ‘Gib’. However, he would be willing to entertain the idea, adding: “If the opportunity presented itself then I’d be open to negotiations.
“But it’s not a fight that I’m chasing, right now I am locked in for this fight with Slim. I know everyone wants to know what’s next, but I’m locked in for this fight and I’m ready to take this man’s head clean off.”
