Kilkenny the unexpected venue for UK influencer boxing showdown

A boxing promotion founded by a social media star who featured recently on a hugely popular Netflix documentary is set to bring a host of British rappers and online personalities to Kilkenny next weekend.

Unhinged Promotions, founded by British influencer HSTikkyTokky, whose real name is Harrison Sullivan, is due to stage its latest boxing event at The Hub in Cillín Hill on Saturday, November 7.

The event, billed as Unhinged 003, is marked to be headlined by British rapper Russ Millions, who is set to face fellow online personality Kirky.

The choice of Kilkenny for such an event might come as a surprise to many, but The Hub has explained how the unusual booking came about.

Speaking to Kilkenny Live, a spokesperson for the venue confirmed that Unhinged Promotions had approached The Hub directly several months ago.

“The Hub was contacted by Unhinged Promotions who were looking for a large indoor venue in the south of Ireland with high ceilings that could accommodate a boxing-style event,” the spokesperson explained.

“We are the largest indoor concert and event venue in the southeast of Ireland and we have hosted a number of boxing, martial arts and MMA-style events in the past.

“We also host a large number of music concerts yearly with artists from all over the world.”

The spokesperson confirmed that the British promotion booked the venue directly, rather than working through a local promoter.

The event will also have a huge audience beyond those attending The Hub, with promotional material stating that the fights will be livestreamed by HSTikkyTokky.

Sullivan has attracted considerable international attention following his appearance earlier this year in Louis Theroux's Netflix documentary Inside the Manosphere.

The documentary served as an attempt to explore the world of male-focused online influencers, querying their views on masculinity, relationships, wealth and the influence they have on younger audiences.

Sullivan was among those featured, with Theroux spending time examining his online persona and the lifestyle he promotes to his followers.

Much of Sullivan's own social media content centres on fitness, confidence, financial independence and self-improvement, themes which form part of his appeal to young men.

He presents his message as one of encouraging men to become more successful and take greater responsibility for their lives.

However, some of his remarks, particularly those concerning women, have come in for criticism, with the documentary questioning the attitudes and messages promoted by figures within the so-called 'manosphere'.

Away from his online content, Sullivan has established a presence in influencer boxing through Unhinged Promotions. The company describes itself on its website as a UK creator fight promotion founded by HSTikkyTokky.

Rise of influencer boxing

Influencer boxing has become an increasingly prominent part of online entertainment, with social media personalities, musicians and content creators stepping into the ring in events designed to attract both live audiences and viewers watching online.

A post by The Hub highlighting the event references a referral scheme through which local businesses, sports clubs and individuals can earn £20 commission for every £20 ticket sold using personalised links.

However, the venue spokesperson stressed that The Hub is not involved in organising or selling tickets for the event itself.

"We just hire the venue to the promoters. We have no involvement with running the events or selling tickets," the spokesperson said.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Sullivan himself will travel to Kilkenny for Unhinged 003.

Unhinged Promotions have also been contacted for comment.