Former Chelsea footballer Wayne Bridge is reportedly set to take on KSI in a boxing match. (Image: Getty/Express Sport)
Former Chelsea footballer Wayne Bridge is reportedly set for a surprise career move after being named as KSI's next boxing opponent.
The former Chelsea and Manchester City star won the Premier League under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 and added the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2006-07.
He joined Manchester City in 2009, where he spent three years before being loaned out to West Ham, Brighton and Sunderland.
The former England international retired from football in 2014 after leaving Reading. But he has remained in the spotlight as he is married to singer Frankie Bridge (née Sandford), the former lead singer of girlband The Saturdays.
And he is now set for a surprise career switch from football to boxing after being shortlisted as one of KSI's potential opponents.
According to the Daily Mail, Bridge is “one of the names mentioned” to fight the famous YouTuber and social media personality, with the fight scheduled for a potential March 29 date.
KSI – whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji and also goes by “JJ” – got into boxing with fellow YouTubers Logan and Jake Paul.
The London-born star is a renowned figure in the celebrity world, having released his own rap album and enjoyed success in various ventures, including The Sidemen and the release of a drink called PRIME.
Wayne Bridge won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2004-05 (Image: Getty)
Wayne Bridge retired from football in 2014 after spells at Chelsea and Man City (Image: Getty)
The 31-year-old recently expressed his desire to fight former UFC champion Conor McGregor in an exhibition match. But it appears he will face a very different opponent at Bridge.
Bridge, now 44, was plagued by injuries in the latter stages of his career but is now said to be in “optimal condition”. He's also been in the ring once before, so he's no stranger to being against the ropes.
He faced Spencer Matthews, who previously starred in the reality TV show “Made in Chelsea”, in a charity fight for Sport Relief seven years ago and emerged victorious from the fight.
KSI, meanwhile, has fought Logan Paul twice and is 4-2 in his six fights in the ring.
Wayne Bridge defeated Spencer Matthews in a charity boxing match in 2018 (Image: Getty)
His only loss came against Tommy Fury in September 2023 when Fury, the younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson, won the fight by majority decision.
He previously addressed the subject of the Bridge fight when the subject was brought up by another ex-footballer, Peter Crouch, on his podcast in October 2023.
He said: “You know, if you ever need someone to step in, I know someone in training all the time. So if you need someone at the last minute, Wayne Bridge. “
KSI responded, “If he's really there, it would be nice to have him on Misfits, that's for sure.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/2002180/Chelsea-Wayne-Bridge-KSI-boxing-fight