Wayne Bridge replacement named for upcoming boxing match with KSI: Who is his new rival?

KSI, the YouTuber-turned-boxer, is set to face MMA fighter Dillon Danis in his next bout, after Wayne Bridge pulled out of their scheduled fight.

The two were initially slated to meet in Manchester on March 29, but Bridge, the former Chelsea defender, dramatically withdrew from the event earlier this week.

The decision came after KSI made a controversial comment regarding Bridge’s ex-girlfriend’s alleged affair with John Terry during the Misfits Boxing 20 event. The comment was perceived as crossing a line by Bridge, who subsequently announced that he would no longer participate in the fight.

Wayne Bridge was clear in his reasoning for withdrawing

In his statement, Bridge explained his reasoning for pulling out. While he was initially drawn to the challenge of facing KSI, the personal nature of KSI’s remarks pushed him to step back.

“I always like to challenge myself,” Bridge said, but he emphasized that the personal comments had gone too far and affected both his family and others. As a family man, Bridge stated that protecting his loved ones had to take priority.

“I hope one day he will look back on this differently.”

With Bridge no longer part of the matchup, KSI will now face Dillon Danis, a former MMA fighter known for his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expertise. Danis has experience in the boxing ring, having fought Logan Paul in a high-profile Misfits card, though he lost that bout after attempting to use a jiu-jitsu takedown, which led to his disqualification.

Despite this, Danis remains well-regarded in the MMA world, especially due to his training alongside UFC superstar Conor McGregor and his undefeated record in U.S. Welterweight MMA.

KSI and Danis already share a tense history, having clashed at a Misfits press conference, where Danis threw coffee at KSI during a heated exchange. Their rivalry has continued online, with Danis previously making controversial remarks about Logan Paul’s partner, Nina Agdal, ahead of his fight with Paul in 2023.

KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, has built a successful boxing career, with four wins, one draw, and one loss from six professional bouts. Beyond boxing, KSI is also known for his rap album and various business ventures. Fans are now eagerly anticipating his upcoming match with Danis, which will take place on March 29.