Wayne Bridge will fight YouTuber KSI, Mail Sport can reveal.
The former Chelsea, Manchester City and England star will meet the influencer on March 29 with an announcement to be made soon, subject to the signing of contracts.
Should the formalities be completed, the left-back, who is now 44, will take on KSI, 31, in Manchester in an intriguing prospect that will turn heads across football, boxing and beyond.
Bridge has fought before, beating Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews in a charity match seven years ago.
He hung up his boots in 2014 after a career that saw him win the Premier League, FA Cup and League Cup with Chelsea.
Bridge also played for Southampton, Fulham, West Ham, Sunderland and Brighton and picked up 36 England caps. Those who know him say he is still in top condition.
London-born KSI, whose real name is Olajide Olatunji, has amassed millions of followers, released a rap album and oversees a number of business ventures. He has fought Logan Paul twice and has four wins, a draw and a loss from six fights.
In October 2023, KSI welcomed the prospect of Bridge donning the gloves when he appeared on Peter Crouch's podcast.
Crouch said, “You know, if you ever need someone to step in, I always know someone in training. So if you need someone at the last minute, Wayne Bridge.”
Co-host Steve Sidwell, the former Reading midfielder, added: 'Can anyone beat the Bridge? He's an animal.'
KSI replied, “If he's really into it, it would be great to have him on Misfits for sure.”
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