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KSI’s March Return to Boxing in Jeopardy After Wayne Bridge Withdraws
It seems that KSI’s long-awaited return to the boxing ring is hitting another snag. The British YouTuber-turned-boxer, known to millions of fans as ‘The Nightmare,’ has been absent from the squared circle since his decision loss to Tommy Fury in October 2023. Now, his planned fight against former Premier League star Wayne Bridge on March 29th has been canceled, leaving KSI without an opponent.
The Road Back to the Ring
After suffering his first professional defeat at the hands of Fury, KSI had planned an active 2024. While his competitive ambitions were delayed due to an injury that forced him to withdraw from fights against Anthony Taylor and Slim Albaher last August, KSI had signed a deal to face Wayne Bridge in March. It appeared to be an intriguing matchup, pitting the social media star against a retired soccer player who had no combat sports experience but was dedicated to training.
Unfortunately, that bout is now off. Bridge announced his withdrawal following comments made by KSI at the recent Misfits Boxing event. During the broadcast of Darren Till’s fight with Anthony Taylor, KSI made remarks about Bridge’s personal life, specifically involving the former soccer star’s ex-girlfriend, Vanessa Perroncel.
Bridge’s Statement
In an emotional post on Instagram Stories, Bridge explained his decision to step away from the fight:
“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… I will no longer be fighting on March 29th.”
Bridge’s decision leaves KSI without an opponent, with less than three months to go until the planned date. Misfits Boxing has yet to release a statement regarding the situation, but KSI will likely need a replacement opponent quickly if the event is to go forward as planned.
Who Could Be Next for KSI?
With Wayne Bridge out of the picture, the question now turns to who could step up and face KSI. Several names have been floated in the past, including former boxing world champion Amir Khan. The retired fighter and KSI reportedly had discussions last year about a potential bout, but the deal ultimately fell through. Revisiting that matchup could provide fans with a marquee event worthy of a DAZN pay-per-view.
Other potential opponents include Misfits regulars like Slim Albaher or King Kenny, who both have been vocal about wanting to fight KSI. There’s also the wildcard option of Jake Paul. While the two have been circling each other for years, their rivalry has yet to culminate in a fight. A KSI vs. Jake Paul showdown could be the event to finally answer the “King of YouTube Boxing” question once and for all.
What’s Next for ‘The Nightmare’?
For KSI, his March return is an opportunity to reclaim momentum in his boxing career. While the loss to Tommy Fury was a setback, he remains one of the biggest draws in crossover boxing, with fans eager to see who he will fight next.
With Wayne Bridge out of the equation, Misfits Boxing has some work to do to find a worthy replacement. Whoever steps up, it’s clear that KSI’s path back to the top won’t be without its challenges.
What do you think of Wayne Bridge’s withdrawal? Who should KSI fight next? Let us know in the comments below!
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