Wayne Bridge has pulled out of his fight with KSI and released a statement saying taunting over John Terry ‘crossed a line’.
The former footballer had just two days ago agreed to fight with the YouTuber at a Misfits event in March. It would have been the 44-year-old’s first professional boxing bout.
But Bridge took to Instagram this afternoon (20 January) to confirm the fight is off, citing ‘personal comments’ made by his would-be opponent on Saturday.
The pair had gone face to face that night and KSI made a brutal (verbal) jab about the star’s past relationship with Vanessa Perroncel.
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While the ex-model has always denied it, it was claimed back in 2010 that Terry had an affair with her the year before.
And KSI slammed: “Wayne Bridge, aren't you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?
"That is what you are known for."
He then sang out: “Vanessa Woah, she jumped on Terry's d**k, it made the big boy feel sick."
With Bridge held back on the night by security guards, he had appeared to let the comments slide at first.
But he wrote on Instagram earlier: “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."
He continued: "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."
Bridge confirmed he's got 'some exciting things coming up in 2025', and also thanked his followers for their support.
"Thanks for all the love," he wrote. "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."
Jess Battison