Deji is one of the biggest names in influencer boxing, but with his return to the ring looming, the question remains: is he truly challenging himself, or is he just looking for easy wins to pad his highlight reel? The reality is, if Deji doesn’t step up and start fighting tougher competition, it might be time for him to seriously reconsider his place in the sport.
Deji’s On-and-Off Relationship with Boxing
Let’s rewind a bit. Deji’s boxing journey has been full of ups and downs. He entered the influencer boxing scene with a lot of excitement, and while he faced some big names—Jake Paul, Vinnie Hacker, Alex Wasabi—his record was far from stellar. Losses, especially to Jake Paul and Alex Wasabi, marked his early career. However, despite the losses, Deji’s skills seemed to improve each time. His fight with Floyd Mayweather may have been more about spectacle than substance, but even then, it showed that Deji was willing to challenge himself, even against the odds.
It wasn’t until his win over Fousey that Deji really had a moment to celebrate. That win, a rare highlight in his boxing career, was a massive confidence booster. The Fousey fight proved Deji could win, and that he had potential. But since then, he’s had some lackluster performances, including a win over Swarms, who had only fought once before against Ryan Taylor.
And that’s where the problem lies: Deji has not faced a true challenge in his recent fights. While beating Swarms was nice, it didn’t prove much in terms of his growth as a fighter. If Deji is serious about this sport, he needs to fight opponents who will truly test his skills.
What’s His Motivation?
Here’s the real question: why is Deji still boxing? Is he doing it because he loves the sport, or is he just chasing that next big knockout for social media clout? In a recent interview, Deji admitted he wasn’t sure if he still loved boxing. He said, “I feel fit as hell, so why not box again?” That’s an understandable sentiment, but it’s also a concerning one. If he’s still questioning whether he has a passion for it, how can we expect him to stay disciplined and committed to the grind?
Deji has always struggled with motivation in the past. We’ve seen him train intensely for a fight, only to fall off later. Boxing isn’t just about having the right body or the right technique; it’s about mental discipline. And without a clear goal, that discipline is hard to maintain.
If Deji’s motivation is merely to get a few viral knockouts and make some money, then he’s in the wrong sport. Influencer boxing is about proving yourself—testing your limits, challenging your opponents, and showing that you belong in the ring.
The Need for Tougher Competition
If Deji is serious about making a name for himself in influencer boxing, then he needs to fight tougher competition. It’s that simple. Winning against Swarms doesn’t make him a legitimate contender—it just makes him another influencer with a win on his record. But if he faces someone like Alex Wasabi, Bryce Hall, or Joe Weller, it could push him to the next level.
Let’s be clear: I’m not saying he needs to face Jake Paul or Floyd Mayweather, but there are plenty of opponents in the influencer boxing space who could truly challenge him.
One name that should be on Deji’s radar is Alex Wasabi. The first fight between Deji and Alex was a close one, and Alex got the win. If Deji is serious about proving himself, a rematch with Alex would be the perfect opportunity. It’s the fight that makes the most sense—it’s a fight Deji needs to take. But instead of calling for the rematch, Deji is talking about facing fighters like Danny Aens, a rookie in the sport. This would be a huge misstep.
If Deji fights someone like Danny Aens, it’s essentially a glorified sparring session. Sure, he might get a win, but what does he really gain from that? Not much. If Deji wants to leave a legacy in influencer boxing, he needs to fight people on his level or above.
The Challenge of Discipline
We know that Deji has talent. When he’s focused and disciplined, he has the potential to be a solid fighter. But discipline has always been his biggest issue. There’s no denying that Deji struggles with consistency, and it’s this lack of consistency that has held him back from truly becoming a force in the sport.
In his latest interviews, he’s been nonchalant about his training. He talks about being in and out of the gym, but that’s not enough. Deji can’t just “be fit” and expect to compete at the highest level. He needs to be in peak condition, physically and mentally. He needs to dedicate himself to this sport if he’s going to prove he’s more than just an influencer playing at boxing.
Boxing requires more than talent—it requires focus, discipline, and a deep passion for the sport. If Deji isn’t fully invested in the grind, then maybe it’s time for him to step away and focus on other ventures. If he’s not committed, what’s the point?
It’s Time to Stop Coasting
The influencer boxing scene is evolving. KSI has set a high bar, proving that hard work and discipline can lead to success, even against high-level competition. Deji, however, has yet to demonstrate that he can stay consistent and challenge himself against tough opponents.
If he keeps fighting lower-level competition or just looking for easy wins, his boxing career will never reach its potential. He will always be seen as a novelty in the sport—someone who never fully committed, someone who didn’t test himself.
Deji is capable of so much more than what he’s shown us. We’ve seen flashes of brilliance, but those flashes need to become something more. If he truly wants to prove himself as a legitimate fighter in the influencer boxing world, he needs to step up to the plate. He needs to take on opponents who will push him, challenge him, and force him to rise to the occasion.
If he’s not willing to do that, then maybe it’s time to walk away from the ring. Influencer boxing is full of stars, but Deji has the potential to be more than just a star—he can be a contender—if he starts challenging himself.
The choice is his.
Either step up or step away. But don’t waste your time if you’re not fully invested, Deji. It’s time to either commit to the grind or leave the ring for good.
