KSI needs new opponent after Wayne Bridge claims trash talk ‘crossed a line’

KSI just talked himself out of a fight.

It looked as though KSI was set box former soccer player Wayne Bridge in March after the two faced off at this past Saturday’s Misfits Boxing event in Manchester, England. During the confrontation, KSI took a few personal shots at Bridge, referencing gossip from 2010 that swirled around an ex-girlfriend of Bridge’s having an affair with a teammate.

On Monday, Bridge released a statement on his Instagram Stories declaring he is withdrawing from the contest due to KSI’s comments. Bridge claims KSI “crossed a line.”

See the statement and a clip of KSI’s insult below, courtesy of Happy Punch.

“I have always loved boxing as part of my everyday training routine,” Bridge wrote. “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.”

KSI vs. Bridge was expected to take place March 29, though contracts were still to be signed. It’s unclear if KSI will find a new opponent for that date, or be booked for another event altogether. He seeks his first fight since losing a six-round unanimous decision to Tommy Fury in October 2023, which was the first loss of KSI’s boxing career.

Bridge had previously competed in a pair of exhibition boxing bouts, both of which he won on points, though he has not fought since 2018. The 44-year-old was a standout defender best known for his time with Chelsea from 2003-2009, a stretch that saw him capture a league title, as well as national and league cups.