Credit: DAZN

Wayne Bridge has pulled out of a celebrity boxing match with KSI after his opponent taunted him to his face about his ex-girlfriend’s alleged affair with John Terry.

Former Chelsea and England left-back Bridge was set to fight the YouTube star, whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, on March 29.

The pair faced off in the ring at a ‘Misfits Boxing’ event on Saturday, which was broadcast live on DAZN.

Taking to the mic, KSI said to Bridge: “Aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?” Bridge then asked: “You want to go there straight away, do you?” KSI replied: “I’m pretty sure that’s what you’re known for.”

To the tune of Volare, he then began chanting, “Vanessa, woah, Vanessa, woah”, in reference to Bridge’s ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Perroncel, before making a crude remark about her alleged affair with Terry.

Bridge and Perroncel, who have a son together, split in 2009 in the wake of the allegations that she and former Chelsea captain Terry had an affair, claims she vehemently denied.

In a statement announcing he was withdrawing from March’s fight, Bridge said: “I’m sure a lot of you have seen what happened on Saturday night at the Misfits Boxing event.

“Firstly, I think it’s important that I explain my reason for accepting the fight. I always like to challenge myself. This felt like a good opportunity to go up against an interesting opponent on a big stage.

“I have always loved boxing as part of my everyday training routine. I was fully prepared to train hard and have some fun. 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.

“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. I will no longer be fighting on March 29.

“I’m still looking out for my next big challenge and have some exciting things coming up in 2025. Thanks for all the love. The support has been overwhelming.

“I want my friends and family to know how special they are. Deep down I know this is the right thing to do.”

Terry’s alleged affair with Perroncel saw him briefly stripped of the England captaincy and Bridge refused to shake his hand when the latter’s Manchester City side played at Stamford Bridge in 2010.

Rival fans taunted the footballers about the claims for the remainder of their careers.

Bridge has boxed before, beating reality television star Spencer Matthews in a charity bout seven years ago.