KSI forced to announce new fight opponent after backlash over tattoos

YouTuber and rapper KSI has had to choose a new boxing opponent after Ivan Nikolov was called out for having racist tattoos.

The boxing star recently announced he would be doing the ‘unthinkable’, as he announced he’d be participating in two fights in one night.

However, after his original opponent Alex Pussabi pulled out, KSI announced a new fighter, Ivan Nikolov.

But since making the announcement, KSI has been forced to replace Nikolov after he was called out for having various 'racist' tattoos.

Nikolov appears to have the words ‘white power’ tattooed across the bottom of his abdomen, alongside a ‘Blood & Honour’ tattoo across his arm, referring to a neo-Nazi group that was formed in England back in the 80s.

And it doesn’t stop there unfortunately, he also has the Schutzstaffel logo on his other arm, making reference to the police and military forces under Adolf Hitler.

After Nikolov was called out for his tattoos, KSI took to his Youtube channel to address the accusations.

He said about the boxer: “He’s a white supremacist.

“Ivan isn’t my opponent anymore. He has been removed.

“The matchmaker also got fired for allowing this to happen in the first place. But yes, my new opponent is Luis Alcaraz Pineda.”

At the time, Nikolov responded to allegations of racism, uploading a post to his social media denying racist intentions.

He argued that the words ‘white power’ 'refers to my own belief in my strength and power as an athlete'.

The post was later deleted, and he has since deleted his Instagram account.

And fans are pleased that ‘JJ’ – as KSI is often nicknamed – listened to fans.

One social media user said: “KSI made the right decision for this fight and I’m very interested not only this fight but the whole undercard. Respect to KSI.”

Now the boxer is set to fight Luis Alcaraz Pineda, a Mexican pro boxer. Pineda has recorded a total of two wins and five losses.

KSI will also be up against rapper Swarmz. KSI and Swarmz reportedly have a bad relationship after falling out with each other back in 2020.

The two in one fight night is set to take place on 27 August in London’s O2 area, where eight fights are currently lined up.

And hopefully, this will be the last time JJ has to alter the line-up.