Former Reading and England defender pulls out of KSI fight within 48 hours
Ex-England and Reading football player Wayne Bridge has pulled out of an upcoming boxing match with KSI, two days after the YouTuber made “deeply personal” comments which “crossed a line”.
The pair, who were due to step into the ring on March 29, went face to face on Saturday night at Misfits 20 where KSI made comments about Bridge’s former partner – who had an alleged affair with his ex-teammate John Terry.
“I’m sure a lot of you have seen what happened on Saturday night at the Misfits Boxing event,” Bridge, who is married to The Saturdays singer Frankie Bridge, wrote on his Instagram story.
“Of course, I expected to face some criticism, but I feel like what was said on Saturday crossed a line.
“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.”
In 2010, the alleged affair between ex-England captain Terry and Bridge’s former partner Vanessa Perroncel – with whom he shares a son – hit the headlines.
Bridge later married Frankie in a 2014 ceremony, before welcoming two more sons into their family.
“My opponent is someone that many children look up to around the world, including my kids,” Bridge wrote of KSI.
“I hope one day he will look back on this differently. I personally don’t want to be involved in these exchanges.”
Former Chelsea and Manchester City footballer Bridge retired from football in 2014, fighting TV star Spencer Matthews in a charity match for Sport Relief in 2018.
He ended his career in Berkshire, playing 12 matches during an injury-hit 2013/14 campaign in which Nigel Adkins' Royals finished seventh in the Championship.
KSI, whose real name is Olajide William Olatunji, has fought several times – including losing against Love Island star Tommy Fury in 2023.
Bridge confirmed he is “still looking out for my next big challenge” and described the support for him as “overwhelming”.
“I want my friends and family to know how special they are.
“Deep down I know this is the right thing to do,” he concluded of pulling out of the fight.
A representative for KSI has been contacted for comment.
