Ex-England Star Wayne Bridge to Face YouTube Sensation KSI in Boxing Clash

LONDON, England — Former England and Chelsea defender Wayne Bridge is set to step into the boxing ring against YouTube star and professional boxer KSI, according to reports. The surprise matchup, expected to be announced imminently, marks KSI’s return to the ring after a controversial loss in October 2023.

The 44-year-old Bridge, who made 36 appearances for England and played for top Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester City, and West Ham, last boxed in a charity match seven years ago. He defeated reality TV star Spencer Matthews in that bout. However, KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, poses a far greater challenge, having lost only once in his boxing career to professional fighter Tommy Fury.

KSI, a British influencer-turned-boxer, has built a reputation in the celebrity boxing scene under his promotion, Misfits Boxing. His manager, Mams Taylor, confirmed to talkSPORT that 2025 will be a busy year for KSI, with three fights planned. “KSI will fight three times this year,” Taylor said. “Fight 1 will be a great surprise and very interesting. Fight 2 and 3, if people are worried we will take the same route as Jake… He will not be fighting retired fighters, these will be serious opponents.”

Bridge, best known for his 87 appearances at Chelsea and a memorable goal against Arsenal in the 2003 UEFA Champions League, will face a steep challenge against KSI, who has been training rigorously for his comeback. The fight is expected to draw significant attention, given KSI’s massive online following and Bridge’s football legacy.

KSI’s last fight ended in disappointment, with the star expressing frustration over the judges’ decision in his loss to Fury. Taylor emphasized that KSI is focused on making a strong return. “It will be epic, and I can’t wait to announce it all, but for now, focus will be on fight one and his huge comeback,” Taylor added.

Beyond the Bridge matchup, KSI’s team is reportedly in talks for potential fights with bigger names, including UFC superstar Conor McGregor. Taylor revealed that discussions with McGregor’s team are ongoing, stating, “There are talks taking place, and talks are leading to more talks. I know he’s interested for a fact. I think no fight makes more sense than this fight for Conor.”

The Bridge-KSI fight is expected to be a commercial blockbuster, blending the worlds of sports and entertainment. Fans are eager to see how the former footballer fares against the seasoned influencer-turned-boxer.