As KSI‘s younger brother and a major YouTube personality in his own right, Deji has made quite the splash on the internet boxing scene in recent years. While his record currently stands at just 1-4, he has taken on some of the biggest names and shown real determination and heart along the way. Let‘s take an in-depth look at Deji‘s unique boxing journey so far.
Deji Vital Stats
Before we get to the fights, let‘s look at some key stats on Deji in the ring:
Height: 5‘9"
Weight Class: Cruiserweight (200 lbs)
Stance: Orthodox
Reach: 71 inches
Record: 1-4 (1 KO)
The Road to Deji vs Jake Paul – Deji‘s First Fight
Deji started boxing in 2018 alongside his brother KSI as they prepared for the big KSI vs Logan Paul grudge match. This launched the whole YouTube boxing phenomenon.
While KSI and Logan took center stage, there was also heated rivalry between their brothers Deji and Jake Paul, resulting in their own co-main event fight on August 25, 2018.
In the leadup, Deji looked confident and fierce, eager to score a KO against the arrogant Jake Paul. "Jake doesn‘t have a chance against me," Deji proclaimed at the time. Meanwhile, Jake dismissed Deji as an "irrelevant loser" riding on his brother‘s fame.
The trash talk was intense, the rivalry palpable. As fight night arrived, tensions were at boiling point.
Breakdown of Jake Paul vs Deji
Date: August 25, 2018
Venue: Manchester Arena, Manchester, England
Result: Deji loses by TKO in Round 5
Rounds 1-2:
Deji came out aggressively right away throwing heavy shots, while Jake looked to find his range. Deji landed some decent combinations in the opening rounds, catching Jake off guard with his fast start.
Rounds 3-4:
However, by the middle rounds, Jake began timing Deji and landing counters. Deji was still game, trading punches in exciting exchanges with Jake and talking trash. But his punches began losing steam.
Round 5:
A tired Deji took heavy punishment in the 5th, getting rocked by an overhand right from Jake. With Deji backed into the ropes eating punches, his team threw in the towel to stop the fight.
While Deji looked great early on, his conditioning wasn‘t ready for a 6 round war. Jake‘s experience and precision punching earned him the TKO victory. Still, many fans gave Deji respect for a gutsy performance in his boxing debut.
Deji‘s Reaction:
"Honestly I know I can do so much better…that wasn‘t my best performance," a disappointed Deji stated in his post-fight interview.
The Long Road Back – Deji‘s YouTube Boxing Return
Following the loss, Deji took a break from boxing to focus on his YouTube career. But the competitor in him wanted to redeem himself, so he announce his return in 2021.
After 3 long years out of the ring, Deji was matched against TikTok star Vinnie Hacker…
Deji vs Vinnie Hacker Breakdown
Date: June 12, 2021
Result: Deji loses by TKO in Round 3
In his return fight, Deji ultimately suffered defeat via TKO to the younger Vinnie Hacker. But the early rounds showed promise…
Rounds 1-2
An improved Deji landed crisp combinations to clearly take the first two rounds. Using lateral movement, Deji controlled the distance well and prevented Hacker from mounting much offense.
Round 3
However, Vinnie began finding his timing as the fight progressed. A right hook late in round 3 crashed against Deji‘s jaw, flooring him. Though he made it to his feet, the referee stopped the contest.
While Deji boxed well early on, his 3 years out of the ring showed in his lack of conditioning late. The TKO loss was a setback, but Deji remained determined.
Deji‘s Reaction
"Major congrats to Vinnie…We move!" Deji graciously reacted. His competitive spirit was on full display even in defeat.
Deji Suffers Another Setback Against Wassabi
Eager to get back in the win column, Deji stepped in on late notice to fight Alex Wassabi after KSI pulled out due to injury…
Deji vs Alex Wassabi
Date: March 5, 2022
Result: Deji loses by Split Decision
This time Deji went the 6 round distance but came up short on the judges scorecards by split decision against Wassabi.
Rounds 1-3
Deji pressed the action and landed his overhand right repeatedly, seeming to take early control.
Rounds 4-6
However, Wassabi rallied in the championship rounds, hammering Deji to the body. It was a close, hard-fought battle that could have gone either way.
In the end, Wassabi‘s superior conditioning earned him the narrow victory. Deji however had shown major improvements in his technical skills, power, and boxing IQ.
Deji‘s Reaction
"No excuses, back to training. I‘ll be back!" Deji said, still determined to achieve his first boxing victory. His will to win was unwavering.
Deji Finally Tastes Victory Against Fousey
After 3 heartbreaking losses, Deji refused to give up on his boxing dreams. He returned to the ring more motivated than ever on August 27, 2022 against rival Fousey…
Deji vs Fousey
Date: August 27, 2022
Result: Deji wins by KO in Round 3
Rounds 1-2
Deji took the fight to Fousey immediately, walking him down and ripping hard shots to the head and body. An early knockdown set the tone.
Round 3
In round 3, a ruthless Deji battered a faded Fousey, sending him to the canvas three times to force a KO stoppage. It was utter domination.
At long last, Deji achieved redemption and his first boxing victory emphatically with the KO against Fousey. His raw power and improved technique finally came together.
Deji‘s Reaction:
"I‘m so happy man, I worked so hard for this! Fousey is a warrior," an emotional Deji reacted. It was a monumental moment in his boxing journey.
Deji Steps Up Against Mayweather – Breakdown of the Exhibition
Fresh off his first win, Deji aimed higher than ever before by taking on the legendary Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a November 2022 exhibition bout in Dubai.
Deji vs Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Date: November 13, 2022
Result: Deji loses by TKO in Round 6
Rounds 1-4:
A fearless Deji came out guns blazing, throwing heavy leather at a surprised Mayweather. Deji aggressively backed Mayweather to the ropes, landing his share of punches in a spirited early effort.
Round 5:
However, the 50-0 Mayweather quickly adapted and took control as his precision punches began breaking Deji down. A huge right hand from Mayweather deposited Deji onto the canvas.
Round 6:
An exhausted Deji fought valiantly but took a beating in the 6th until his cornermercifully threw in the towel. Deji protested the stoppage but ultimately took his defeat in stride.
Against the best boxer of all time, Deji was understandably outmatched. But he earned universal praise for his courage in taking the fight to Mayweather from the opening bell. In defeat, Deji‘s stock rose.
Deji‘s Reaction
"Mad respect to Floyd. I will be back!" Deji said, remaining upbeat after the stoppage.
At just 25 years old, Deji continues to show enormous heart and a willingness to fight anyone. There‘s still massive potential if he can put all his skills together.
What Major Fights Could Be Next For Deji?
After exceeding expectations against Mayweather, what big fights could be on the horizon for Deji? Here are some of the top options:
Jake Paul Rematch: There‘s still major unfinished business here after their first war ended abruptly. This fight remains one of the biggest that could be made in the YouTube boxing space.
KSI: Recently Deji has hinted at interest in settling his longstanding beef with brother KSI in the ring. The family rivalry clash would be must-see entertainment.
Bryce Hall: A matchup against TikTok superstar Bryce Hall has also been floated. Hall is eager to get into boxing, making him a viable next foe.
Austin McBroom: McBroom‘s popularity could set up another crossover fight for Deji following the success of Fousey and Mayweather.
Alex Wassabi Rematch: Avenging the close loss to Wassabi is no doubt a redemption Deji craves. This remains one of his most competitive matchups out there.
With many exciting options on the horizon, I see a bright future for the reinvigorated Deji as he looks to build on his success. At his age, rapid improvements are achievable if he stays dedicated.
As Deji‘s whirlwind boxing journey continues, one thing has remained consistent – his warrior spirit. Despite setbacks, Deji keeps battling. His story is far from over.
