KSI announces next opponent after Wayne Bridge pulled out of boxing fight

KSI will take on Dillon Danis on March 29 in Manchester after former Premier League footballer Wayne Bridge pulled out of their scheduled clash. The pair were originally due to fight in 2023 but Danis, a former teammate of Conor McGregor, pulled out at 10 days' notice. He went on to fight Logan Paul later that year, with their fight abandoned in the final round when Danis attempted a takedown. YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI hasn't fought since suffering defeat by Tommy Fury in 2023. The social media star was due to take on Slim and Anthony Taylor in a two-on-one boxing fight last year, but was forced to pull out of the clash due to injury. Now that the 31-year-old has fully recovered from his injury, the Misfits sensation is planning on a busy 2025 in the ring.

Both KSI - real name Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji - and Bridge were due to go head-to-head, but the latter withdrew from the bout after the YouTuber made controversial comments about his ex-girlfriend and her alleged affair with former teammate John Terry. The two stars faced off at Misfits 20 last month, with KSI quick to throw a personal insult at Bridge. "Aren't you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?" KSI said before Bridge replied: "You want to go there straightaway do you?" KSI continued: "I'm pretty sure that's what you're known for." The Sidemen member the started a chant of 'Vanessa woah, Vanessa woah'. Bridge's ex-girlfriend always denied she had had an affair with Terry.

Following his withdrawal, Bridge was quick to release the following statement: "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.".