Joe Fournier has been photographed on a private jet bound for Rome less than 24 hours after his controversial second round loss to YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI.
Photographs seen exclusively by Mail Sport showed a relaxed Fournier on board a private aircraft, with a grin etched across his face in spite of his defeat to KSI the night previous.
KSI, 29, stopped Fournier, a former professional fighter, in the second round – sending Wembley Arena in rapturous scenes.
The incident occurred early in the fight, shortly after KSI had landed a huge overhand right that sent Fournier stumbling backwards.
‘The Nightmare’ moved in to land a crucial blow however missed with his right hook and appeared to catch his opponent with a nasty elbow.
Photographs seen exclusively by Mail Sport showed a relaxed Joe Fournier on a private aircraft
Fournier has been photographed on a private jet bound for Rome less than 24 hours after his controversial defeats to KSI
The former professional boxer cut a relaxed figure as he awaited a decision on the outcome of the bout
However, replays appeared to show KSI’s elbow catching Fournier, and if that is the case then the result is likely to be overturned.
Indeed, sources close to the fight have indicated to Mail Sport that from the footage seen so far, the result will be overturned on Monday.
Nevertheless, it remains a possibility that an angle could emerge that shows KSI’s glove hitting Fournier before his elbow, and in that instance the result would stand.
Appearing to show a scant lack of regard for events previous, Fournier cut a relaxed figure on the private jet bound for the Italian capital.
The aircraft had Fournier’s own personal logo attached to one side, while the mat leading up to the stairs was also inscribed with ‘Team Fournier’.
Spreading himself across the plane’s furniture, the 9-0 professional fighter had a grin etched across his face as he relaxed on the aircraft.
Expressing his displeasure at the result on Instagram, Fournier declared the result ‘disgusting’.
‘I knew fighting the promoter there would be every angle in his favour but to call this a KO instead of a disqualification after an intentional elbow is disgusting!’ he wrote.
‘We will be appealing this decision Monday and I hope both [KSI and Misfits Boxing and Professional Boxing Association] do the right thing and show their integrity to the sport of boxing!’
KSI started the fight fast, immediately tagging Fournier with the right hand. Fourier found himself on the canvas in the opening round, and even though it was simply a slip, it was caused by pressure and the warning signs were there.
The YouTuber appeared unaware that he’d landed the illegal shot, as he said post-fight: ‘I hit him with a massive shot. He was dazed and scrambling, trying to hold onto me for dear life.’
Fournier, on the other hand, had a different outlook on matters. Speaking to Mail Sport, he said: ‘I know you’re fighting the promotion, I know maybe the judges might be in their favour, but for the ref to let a clear elbow… it’s been replayed a million times around the world.
His jet was decked out in Team Fournier merchandise as he boarded alongside friends
Mats as well as stickers attached to the jet displayed Fournier’s name
KSI’s knockout victory has been put in jeopardy after replays appeared to show the YouTube star land an illegal elbow on his opponent
‘The Nightmare’ sent Joe Fournier crashing to the canvas in the second round of their bout
Fournier described the incident as a ‘clear elbow’ and called for the decision to be overturned
‘A clear elbow and then they count me out on the elbow. He should be disqualified. That should be a clear win for me.’
The Brit’s long-term rival, and fellow influencer-turned-boxer, Jake Paul immediately voiced his opinion in the incident on his social media accounts and called for a disqualification.
Paul, who lost via split decision against Tommy Fury in February, wrote: ‘I respect boxing too much to respect what that was. If that was indeed a real boxing match it will be ruled a no contest or disqualification’.
Fury was present at the event and was quick to step inside the ring after KSI’s victory, with talks of a fight between the two beginning to heat up.
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