Ex-Chelsea footballer Wayne Bridge is reportedly set to fight KSI in a boxing match (Image: Getty/Express Sport)
Former footballer Wayne Bridge is reportedly set for a surprise career change after being lined up as next boxing opponent.
The former and star won the playing under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 and added the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2006-07.
He moved onto in 2009, where he spent three years before spending time out on loan with West Ham, Brighton and Sunderland.
The ex-England international retired from football in 2014 after leaving Reading. But he has stayed in the limelight as he is married to singer Frankie Bridge (nee Sandford), the former lead singer of girlband The Saturdays.
And he is now set for a surprise career change from football to boxing after being shortlised as one of KSI’s potential opponents.
According to the , Bridge is ‘one of the names mentioned’ to fight the renowned YouTuber and social media personality, with the bout slated for a potential date of March 29.
KSI – whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji and also goes by ‘JJ’ – made the move into boxing along 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 experiencing success in various ventures, including The Sidemen and releasing a drink named PRIME.
Wayne Bridge won the Premier League with Chelsea in 2004-05 (Image: Getty)
Wayne Bridge retired from football in 2014 after spells with 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 be pitted against a very different opponent in Bridge.
Bridge, now 44, was plagued by injury in the latter stages of his career but is now said to be in ‘peak condition’. He has stepped into the ring once before too, so he is no stranger to being against the ropes.
He took on Spencer Matthews, who previously starred on the reality TV show ‘Made in ‘, in a charity bout for Sport Relief seven years ago and emerged victorious from the fight.
KSI, meanwhile, has fought Logan Paul in two occasions and has a 4-2 record from his six fights in the ring.
Wayne Bridge beat Spencer Matthews in a charity boxing match in 2018 (Image: Getty)
His sole defeat came against Tommy Fury in September 2023 when Fury, the younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson, won the fight by a majority decision.
He has previously addressed the subject of fighting Bridge when the topic was raised 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 last minute, Wayne Bridge.”
KSI responded: “If he is really about it then it would be great to have him on Misfits for sure.”