Former England footballer Wayne Bridge has withdrawn from his upcoming boxing match against YouTuber KSI, citing personal comments made by the influencer that “crossed the line.” The fight, originally scheduled for 29 March, was announced just two days ago.
Bridge’s Statement
Bridge, 44, took to Instagram to explain his decision, stating that KSI’s remarks about his ex-girlfriend’s alleged affair with former teammate John Terry were deeply hurtful and impacted not only him but his family and others involved.
“These are deeply personal comments that affect mine and other families involved in the situation. I’m a family man first, and my priority is protecting them. Of course, I expected to face some criticism, but I feel like what was said on Saturday crossed a line.”
Background: The 2010 Scandal
In 2010, allegations of infidelity between Terry and Bridge’s then-girlfriend, Vanessa Perroncel, led to a public fallout. The incident caused Bridge to step down from the England squad, while Terry was stripped of his captaincy. The relationship between the two footballers became a significant media story.
Bridge, now married to Frankie Bridge of girl group The Saturdays, has two children with her and has moved on from the controversy. However, KSI’s comments appear to have reopened old wounds.
Bridge’s Decision to Prioritize Family
Bridge emphasized his desire to avoid toxic exchanges, especially given KSI’s influence on young audiences, including Bridge’s own children.
“My opponent is someone that many children look up to around the world, including my kids. I hope one day he will look back on this differently. I personally don’t want to be involved in these exchanges. Deep down I know this is the right thing to do.”
KSI’s History in the Boxing Ring
KSI, whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji, has a growing profile in the crossover boxing world. Notable bouts include his 2023 points loss to Tommy Fury, although the fight was not sanctioned by the British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC).
KSI is a major figure in the trend of “crossover boxing,” where influencers, athletes, and entertainers compete in high-profile matches. The trend has faced criticism for overshadowing traditional boxing, yet continues to attract massive audiences.
The Rise of Crossover Boxing
This genre of boxing remains a controversial but lucrative spectacle. In November 2024, Jake Paul defeated 58-year-old former world champion Mike Tyson in a bout that drew over 70,000 spectators and millions of viewers on Netflix.
What’s Next for Bridge and KSI?
- Wayne Bridge: Known for his professional football career and his 2018 charity bout, Bridge’s withdrawal signals a stance prioritizing personal integrity over public spectacle. His future in boxing remains uncertain.
- KSI: The YouTuber is likely to pivot to another opponent. However, this incident might spark discussions about the ethical limits of promotional tactics in crossover boxing.
“Stay tuned for updates on the KSI fight saga and the latest in the crossover boxing world. Follow us for more sports news and analysis!”
