BRIDGE COLLAPSE
Wayne Bridge PULLS OUT of KSI Misfits fight with lengthy statement on John Terry jibes which ‘crossed a line’
Read full statement from Bridge below
WAYNE BRIDGE has PULLED OUT of his fight with KSI.
The former Chelsea, Manchester City and England left-back was due to step into the ring with the YouTuber on March 29.
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The pair went face to face on Saturday night at Misfits 20 - where KSI made a brutal jibe at Bridge's previous relationship with Vanessa Perroncel.
In 2010, it was claimed John Terry - a former team-mate of Bridge - had an affair with Vanessa the year before - although the ex-model has always denied it.
KSI taunted: "Wayne Bridge, aren't you the guy that let John Terry smash your ex?
"That is what you are known for."
READ MORE ON WAYNE BRIDGE
He then sang: "Vanessa Woah, she jumped on Terry's d***, it made the big boy feel sick."
KSI also pushed the former footballer in the chest while Bridge had to be held back by three security guards.
Bridge - who famously refused to shake Terry's hand in the wake of the public scandal - initially appeared to let the comments slide, first responding on Saturday night: "I think that's just him, innit?
"It's the cameras, what he does, put him in a room on your own he probably doesn't do it, something could happen."
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KSI took to social media on Sunday: "From playing with him in FIFA Ultimate Team to knocking out Wayne Bridge in the ring at the end of March, what a life."
But now Bridge has said the fight is OFF - insisting the "deeply personal comments crossed a line".
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Bridge, 44, took to his Instagram story on Monday afternoon where he made the shock statement.
The 36-cap Three Lions international said: "I'm sure a lot of you have seen what happened on Saturday night at the Misfits Boxing event.
"Firstly, I think it's important that I explain my reason for accepting the fight.
"I always like to challenge myself. This felt like a good opportunity to go up against an interesting opponent on a big stage.
"I have always loved boxing as part of my everyday training routine.
"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.
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"My opponent is someone that many children look up to around the world, including my kids.
"I hope one day he will look back on this differently.
"I personally don't want to be involved in these exchanges.
"I will no longer be fighting on 29th March.
"I'm still looking out for my next big challenge and have some exciting things coming up in 2025.
"Thanks for all the love. The support has been overwhelming. I want my friends and family to know how special they are.
"Deep down I know this is the right thing to do."
Bridge has some boxing experience since retiring from football in 2014.
He has twice stepped into the ring and even had an England Boxing licensed amateur bout.
The ex-defender beat Made In Chelsea's Spencer Matthews on points in 2018 - even impressing some fans with his boxing skills.
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But fellow former footballer Danny Simpson - who drew on his Misfits Boxing debut last year - supported Bridge's decision to back out following KSI's controversial comments.
The Leicester City Premier League title winner tweeted: "Disrespecting the ballers. Can’t be having that @KSI @MamsTaylor 😡🥊 @MisfitsBoxing."
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