Logan Paul Says Boxers Want To "Beat The Sh*t" Out Him

Logan Paul is a newbie in the boxing world, and he knows he has to earn his stripes.

The YouTuber will have main event honors in his pro debut at Staples Center when he takes on KSI on Nov. 9 in Los Angeles, superseding the likes of can’t-miss prospect Devin Haney and undefeated WBO super middleweight Billy Joe Saunders.

Paul told the assembled media in Los Angeles that he’s had mixed reactions in his new vocation from people who make a living in boxing that he personally encounters.

“There is a lot of feelings and emotions in boxing,” said Paul. “You can imagine when I, the YouTube kid, walk into a gym, everyone wants to beat the sh*t out of me. You get the occasional guy who’s down to cooperate and work. I also think I’m at the point where I can hold my own against anyone. We’re now commanding the respect we deserve.”

Paul, however, quickly countered that he’s been getting support from those who’ve put their entire lives into the sport.

“I haven’t seen one professional fighter talk sh*t about this. Everyone is excited to merge worlds with boxing and internet content,” said Paul. “Belts don’t mean sh*t for me. I’m fighting for me.

“The respect you command when you box, and win, is so much different than becoming a YouTuber. When you’re a boxer, when you’re a fighter, someone who quite literally puts his life on the line every time he enters that ring, when you walk into a room, people look at you different. You have an energy about you, and people feel it, and I like that.”

Paul plans on fighting further after his professional foray mostly because he has an audience of a combined 56.9 million across Youtube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter who’s willing to pay and watch him perform. His amatuer fight against KSI in 2018, a majority draw, garnered 1.2 million pay per view buys at $10 each and filled England’s Manchester Arena with 15,000 supporters.

Paul once filmed a dead body in Japan and published the video on YouTube. He received backlash for his insensitive behavior, and he believes it’s part of the reason why people find him to be polarizing.

“This is a shot at redemption. This is a second chance,” said Paul. “The Tokyo thing happened. This sh*t is toxic. It’s not real life. Especially creating every day, you lose track of who you are. I’m a different kid from two years ago. I don’t even know that kid. I hate that kid … I’m not in the business of trying to convince people to like me. Keep your eyes on me now, and see the difference. I’m a changed man.”

Paul hopes that boxing will play a part in his makeover.

“It makes me feel good, but I don’t need approval from anyone,” he said. “I’ve passed that point in my life where I need validation from other people. I don’t care who you are. This event is going to do good.”

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist and member of the Boxing Writers Assn. of America since 2011. He has written for the likes of the Guardian, USA Today, Philadelphia Inquirer, Men’s Health and NFL.com and currently does TV commentary for combat sports programming that airs on Fox Sports. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan or via email at manouk.akopyan@gmail.com.