KSI introduced to doppelganger waxwork ahead of double-header boxing bout at the O2 on Saturday

YouTuber and boxer KSI came face-to-face with a waxwork of himself as he prepares for a double-header fight on Saturday.

The figure of the social media star, 29, has been created by Madame Tussauds Blackpool, and was introduced to the rapper at The O2 as he prepares to return to the boxing ring and fight twice in one night, first against Swarmz and then Pineda.

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams ‘JJ’ Olatunji, met his doppelganger on Firday to mark its official unveiling before it goes on display on Blackpool’s famous promenade.

The lifelike figure is wearing clothing, shoes and jewellery originally worn by the star in his Patience music video featuring YUNGBLUD.

Fans will be able to get up close and personal with the new KSI figure when it takes up residence at Madame Tussauds Blackpool on the main stage in the attraction’s Festival Fields area.

KSI has had a string of hits including Really Love (featuring Craig David and Digital Farm Animals), Don’t Play (with Anne-Marie and Digital Farm Animals) and Patience (featuring YUNGBLUD and Polo G).

Commenting on meeting his new figure for the first time KSI said: ‘When I found out I was going to get a figure at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, I was quite excited. I have never been able to see myself until now and it is just incredible and weird.

Two of a kind: KSI met his doppelganger on Firday to mark its official unveiling before it goes on display at Madame Tussauds on Blackpool’s famous promenade

‘It is quite wild to be amongst all the people that have got a figure at Madame Tussauds Blackpool; I’m honoured. I think my fans are going to have a lot of fun with my figure, maybe too much fun!’

Kyle Woodcock, Senior Attractions Manager at Madame Tussauds Blackpool, said: ‘We’re delighted to welcome KSI’s new figure to Madame Tussauds Blackpool and honoured that he personally unveiled it. 

‘He’s a huge music star, with a large fan base who will be keen to meet their hero as he takes to the main stage alongside an iconic line-up of musical stars in the Festival Fields area.’

Featuring more than 80 famous faces, Madame Tussauds Blackpool gives visitors the chance to get up close with their heroes, from sporting stars to TV favourites, movie icons, singing sensations and everything in between.

It takes a team of 25 artists to work on one wax figure, spending a total of 800 hours collectively. This includes: 350 hours to sculpt the figure, 187 hours to insert a head of hair and 30 hours to make a set of teeth.

Ready to rumble! KSI will return to the boxing ring and fight twice in one night, first against Swarmz then Pineda on Saturday

KSI joins 2,000 wax figures on display around the world, with roughly 150kg of clay used to sculpt each figure equating to 23 stone, the average weight of a tiger.

Madame Tussauds Blackpool recently unveiled its first ever UK drag queen figure, RuPaul, as well as a new figure of Boris Johnson, complete with the Prime Minister’s trademark untameable hair, and ahead of her Platinum Jubilee this year, the Queen.

Kyle added: ‘A team of the most skilled, artistic and passionate people around the world are involved in making the perfect wax figure and attention to detail is key. The eyes are hand painted and every tiny detail is duplicated including using fine red silk threads as the veins in the whites of the eyes.

‘Our costume department also works with some of the world’s most sought-after designers and stylists to ensure we’re getting the figure 100 percent right to ensure fans will love it. We even have donated items of clothing from celebrities’ personal wardrobes that they have previously worn to an event.’

Unbeaten: KSI is unbeaten in the ring since he turned his hand at boxing and will be looking to extend that record