Wayne Bridge pulls out of KSI fight after YouTuber's x-rated jibe

by · Mail Online

Wayne Bridge has pulled out of his fight with KSI just two days after it was announced as he claimed the YouTube star had 'crossed a line'. 

The former Chelsea defender, 44, was set to fight KSI in Manchester on March 29 but he dramatically withdrew from the event in a statement posted on Monday.

This came after the social media sensation aimed a jibe at Bridge after Misfits Boxing 20 on Saturday night, regarding his ex-girlfriend's alleged affair with John Terry.

During a face-off in the ring with Bridge, KSI said: 'Aren't you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?' Bridge replied: 'You want to go there straight away do you?'

'I'm pretty sure that's what you're known for,' KSI added, before riling up the crowd and starting a chant that went: 'Vanessa woah, Vanessa woah', referencing Bridge's ex-girlfriend Vanessa Perroncel.

KSI proceeded to add X-rated words to his chant that directly referenced Terry and Bridge's former partner. 

Wayne Bridge has pulled out of his Misfits Boxing showdown with KSI after the YouTuber referenced his ex-girlfriend's alleged affair with John Terry during a face-off on Saturday
KSI asked Bridge during the face-off: 'Aren't you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?'
Bridge was angered by KSI's taunts and the pair had to be separated by security soon after

And Bridge has now announced that he wishes to protect his family from such comments and will seek another challenge in the ring later down the line. 

The statement read: '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, 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.'

44-year-old Bridge revealed that he would seek another challenge in the ring down the line
Bridge broke up with Perroncel in 2009 and has been married to Frankie Bridge since 2014

Bridge's relationship with Perroncel broke down amid the allegations that she had an affair with former Blues and England captain Terry - who was Bridge's team-mate at the time. 

Terry and Bridge were later goaded over the situation by rival supporters and the pair are no longer friends over the incident.

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Perroncel has vehemently denied the allegations, which state the affair took place in 2009, and previously claimed she had legal documents to prove her innocence. 

Bridge has fought before, defeating Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews in a charity bout seven years ago.

He hung up his boots in 2014 following a career which saw him win the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup at Chelsea.

Bridge also played for Southampton, Fulham, West Ham, Sunderland and Brighton and picked up 36 England caps. Those who know him say he remains in peak condition.