The General Secretary of the British Boxing Board of Control admits he is ‘concerned’ by the rise of Misfits Boxing.
And Robert Smith has also revealed he is hoping to secure a meeting with leaders of the spin-off product to ensure the safety of the combatants.
Misfits is the wildly popular crossover boxing series founded by Youtuber-turned boxer KSI, who has been at the forefront of that scene since he fought Joe Weller in a white-collar event in 2018.
It made such an impact that DAZN agreed a five-year deal to broadcast all KSI fights and MF & DAZN: X Series events exclusively on the platform for the next five years.
That deal was in association with the Sauerland brothers, Kalle and Nisse, as well as Wasserman Boxing but DAZN Executive Vice President Joe Markowski insists it should not be treated like traditional boxing but rather a different product entirely.
Markowski is also adamant that all medical procedures around the events, which are not licensed by the Board, are stringent.
But General Secretary Smith says he has made contact with those in charge at the events as he seeks to ensure no damage is done to the sport as a result of Misfits.
He told the George Groves Boxing Club podcast: “I have spoken to members of Misfits about having a meeting because I am concerned.
“If somebody gets injured it’s boxing, it’s not Misfits boxing, it’s boxing. The first person who’s going to get the phonecall is me.
“The trouble we’ve got is they may not want to come to the Board because they know they won’t get a licence so there’s half the show gone and I fully understand that.
“Let’s just see what they can supply us with and let’s see how we can deal with it. If we’re not happy then we won’t do it but if we’re happy we’ll do it.”
It has also been suggested that KSI may apply for a licence with the Board with potential money-spinning fights against the likes of Tommy Fury and Jake Paul – who are both fully licensed boxers – seemingly on the horizon.
Smith added: “We wont start looking at it until he applies but I presume that’s coming. But if he’s not good enough he won’t get one, it’s as simple as that.
“Jake Paul has a licence with California, he’s not the best boxer in the world but I don’t think he disgraced himself [against Tommy Fury].
“More than likely there are people in this country with less ability or the same ability [as Paul] have got a licence so therefore you have to consider that. He is licensed by an authentic governing body.
“But so far, KSI, I’ve never had any contact with whatsoever.”
Boxing Scene approached both DAZN and Sauerland Promotions but neither were available for comment.