Former Chelsea footballer Wayne Bridge is reportedly set for a surprise career change after being lined up as KSI’s next boxing opponent.

The former Chelsea and Manchester City star won the Premier League playing under Jose Mourinho in 2004-05 and added the FA Cup and EFL Cup in 2006-07.

In 2009, he moved to Manchester City, where he spent three years before spending time on loan at West Ham, Brighton and Sunderland.

The former England international retired from football in 2014 after leaving Reading. However, he has remained in the spotlight because he is married to singer Frankie Bridge (née Sandford), former lead singer of girl band The Saturdays.

Now he is ready for an unexpected career change from football to boxing after being selected as one of KSI’s potential opponents.

According to Daily mailBridge is “one of the names mentioned” to fight the famed YouTuber and social media personality, with the fight scheduled for March 29.

KSI – whose real name is Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji and also goes by the nickname “JJ” – got into boxing alongside fellow YouTubers Logan and Jake Paul.

The London-born star is a household name in the celebrity world, having released her own rap album and enjoying success in various ventures, including The Sidemen and launching a drink called PRIME.

The 31-year-old recently expressed his desire to fight former UFC champion Conor McGregor in an exhibition fight. However, it looks like he will face a completely different opponent in Brydra.

Bridge, now 44, was plagued by injuries later in his career but is now said to be in “top form”. He has also entered the ring once, so he is no stranger to fighting with ropes.

Seven years ago, he faced Spencer Matthews, who previously appeared on the reality show Made in Chelsea, in a charity fight for Sport Relief and emerged victorious.

In the meantime, KSI fought Logan Paul twice and his record in six fights in the ring is 4-2.

His only defeat was against Tommy Fury in September 2023, when Fury, the younger brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson, won the fight by majority vote.

He has previously touched on the topic of fighting bridge when the topic was broached by another former footballer, Peter Crouch, on his podcast in October 2023.

He said, “You know, if you ever need someone to step in, I know someone who trains all the time. So if you need someone last minute, Wayne Bridge.”

KSI replied, “If he really cares about it, it would definitely be great to have him on Misfits.”

Despite earlier declarations that the fight with Jake Paul would not affect his lifestyle, Mike Tyson spent £11 million on a up-to-date, elegant residence. The 58-year-old icon returned to the ring last year in a spectacle streamed on Netflix against the YouTuber-turned-boxer.

The fight, initially postponed due to health problems Tyson experienced in May, ultimately resulted in a victory for 31-year-old Paul at AT&T Stadium in Texas in November. Tyson made around £16m from the event but was adamant that money was not his motivation.

He said Fox Sports Radio after the fight: “No, no, no, this paycheck won’t change my lifestyle at all.” Before the fight, he rejected claims that the reason for his return as a “bull****” was for financial gain.

At the MMA event, Tyson explained: “I’m a man, I want to go out there and take risks. Sometimes I want to see who I really am. I want to see what I’m really made of. I want to perform in front of the world.”

Nevertheless, just a few months after the fight, Tyson treated himself to a luxurious mansion in Delray Beach, Florida. According to Palm Beach Post Officethe property deal closed for $13 million (just under £11 million), and earlier this week a special guarantee agreement was filed confirming that Tyson now owns the 2.7-acre estate in the exclusive Tierra del Rey Estates.

Joseph Jonathan Schneider, representing Tyson, said: “This was a successful transaction and all parties demonstrated professionalism and cooperation. The Tyson family has been a valued client and friend for many years and it has been a pleasure working with them.”

Real estate agent Matthew Maschler previously revealed how Tyson was tempted to buy in Tierra del Rey Estates, which translates to “Land of Kings,” after his daughter started playing tennis in the area. He said, “Basically, he likes that his daughter is playing tennis and playing tennis in Delray.”

While most boxing followers can’t wait for Tyson to hang up his gloves, speculation is rife about a potential third fight with 62-year-old Evander Holyfield, who won the first fight between the pair in 1996. In the rematch, Tyson was disqualified after biting off a piece of his opponent’s ear.

Actor and martial arts expert Paulo Tocha, who is close to Tyson, recently said: “Finally [of the Paul fight]he kind of let us know there was another one coming. Most likely, however, it will be Evander. Him and Evander – after what happened to his ear and all that. So it will most likely be something like this.”

Tonight in Manchester, Darren Till will finally step into the ring against Anthony Taylor.

The former UFC title challenger was originally scheduled to face Tommy Fury, but Fury pulled out after Till threatened to kick him in the face. Now Till is ready to make his Misfits debut against Taylor. “Pretty Boy” has decent in-ring experience, having already defeated Salt Papi and King Kenny.

Taylor, who was previously defeated by Fury, will pose a tough challenge for Till, who returns to competition two years after leaving the UFC, where he was a welterweight title challenger. There’s plenty of action on the undercard tonight too, and here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s fights…

What time is Darren Till – Anthony Taylor tonight?

The star-studded gala will take place at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester. The main card is expected to start around 6pm UK time, 12pm ET and 9am PT. The main event ring walks will likely take place around 10 p.m. The two stars will touch gloves just after 10:15 p.m., before the first bell rings. The fight is not expected to start later, but may be pushed forward if the card shortage fights end earlier than expected.

How to watch Darren Till vs Anthony Taylor on TV and live in the UK

The eagerly anticipated clash between the two fighters will be broadcast live on DAZN, available in over 200 countries around the world. This event is included in the standard DAZN subscription package, giving boxing enthusiasts the chance to sign up to the site and follow all the action.

Full Misfits 20 fight card and UK start times

Darren Till vs. Anthony Taylor – 10 p.m
Wade Plemons vs. Masai Warrior – 9:00 p.m
Carla Jade vs. Melanie Shah – 8:30 p.m
Sami Hamed vs. Ziggy Johnson – 8:00 p.m
Ty Mitchell vs. Tommy Hench – 7:30 p.m
Adam Brooks vs. Gavinio – 7:00 p.m
BBCC Gareth vs. Kak Hatt – 18:30
Little T vs. Afghan Dan – 6:00 p.m

Quotes corner

Darren Till stated: “You are just shit. Sorry to be disrespectful, but you really are shit. You fall off your feet and flap your wings. Actually, I don’t think so. you realize what you’re getting into with me. So I won’t even talk, I’ll just beat you. I respect you and then I’ll just move on because you really are shit, I promise you, you’re shit.”

Anthony Taylor calculated: “He may have more experience in the cage, but I have more experience in the boxing ring. You can’t expect an MMA or UFC fighter to come in and beat someone who has that kind of boxing experience. Look what happened when Mike Perry came to box with Jake Paul. He felt ashamed.