KSI and former England footballer Wayne Bridge engaged in a heated face-off at Manchester’s Co-op Live arena on Saturday night, where their upcoming boxing match was officially confirmed.
The controversial encounter quickly turned hostile as KSI launched into a series of personal taunts during the Misfits Boxing 20 event.
The pair will meet in the ring on March 29, following Mail Sport’s earlier revelation of the planned bout between the YouTube star and the ex-Chelsea defender.
The atmosphere in the arena grew tense as KSI immediately began mocking Bridge over his past relationship, leading to a confrontation that required security intervention.
KSI taunted Wayne Bridge by making a joke about his previous relationship
Misfits
The announcement came after the evening’s main event, which saw MMA fighter Darren Till defeat Anthony Taylor.
KSI wasted no time in targeting Bridge’s personal life, opening with the inflammatory question: “Aren’t you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?”
When Bridge responded, “You want to go there straightaway do you?”, KSI pressed further, stating: “I’m pretty sure that’s what you’re known for.”
The YouTuber then led the crowd in a chant of “Vanessa woah, Vanessa woah”, referring to Bridge’s former partner, French model Vanessa Perroncel.
The taunts referenced allegations from 2009 involving Bridge’s then-Chelsea teammate John Terry and Perroncel, claims which she has consistently denied.
KSI proceeded to add further X-rated lyrics to his chant that explicitly referenced Terry and Bridge’s former partner.
Bridge, visibly angered by the taunts, stood his ground and warned KSI: “You wanted it mate, you can get it.”
The situation escalated when Bridge pushed KSI, prompting security personnel to step in and separate the pair.
While some audience members joined in KSI’s chants, the arena was predominantly filled with boos expressing discontent at the controversial exchange.
Wayne Bridge is best remembered in the Premier League for his spells at Chelsea and City
PA
Speaking after the face-off, Bridge, who is now married to former Saturdays singer and Loose Women host Frankie Sandford, addressed KSI’s behaviour: “Do you know what, it was always going to get there, it’s obvious it’s going to go there.”
He added pointedly: “He won’t say it in a room on his own will he? It’s just because the camera is there.”
Bridge has previous boxing experience, having defeated Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews in a charity bout seven years ago.
The 44-year-old retired from football in 2014 after a distinguished career that saw him win the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup with Chelsea.
LATEST SPORT NEWS:
HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT 🤯@KSI vs Wayne Bridge 👀@MF_DAZNXSeries | @KickStreaming | @PrimeHydrate | NOW live on @DAZNBoxing | #XSeries20 pic.twitter.com/ySyPEZxaoz
— Misfits Boxing (@MisfitsBoxing) January 18, 2025
He earned 36 England caps and represented clubs including Southampton, Manchester City, West Ham and Brighton.
KSI enters the bout following his unanimous decision defeat to Tommy Fury in October 2023 at the Manchester Arena.
The 31-year-old YouTuber had won his first four professional boxing fights prior to the Fury loss, including a split-decision victory over Logan Paul in November 2019.
Those who know Bridge say he remains in peak condition and has been training with Premier League winner Danny Simpson.