KSI could still fight a Premier League winner after a former Manchester United player appeared to step forward to replace Wayne Bridge for his next fight.
On Saturday, stunning reports claimed Bridge was next in line to face KSI in the YouTuber-boxer's Misfits Boxing promotion - with a date of March 29 being mentioned.
Later that evening, on the MF & DAZN: X Series 20 card, Bridge entered the ring and had a face-off with KSI, who proceeded to taunt him about allegations his former partner had an affair with Bridge's former teammate John Terry.
KSI proceeded to encourage the crowd in attendance to sing a chant about the alleged affair, which Vanessa Perroncel, mother of Bridge's son Jaydon, has always denied.
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Bridge was pushed by KSI in the exchange and said, "You want to go there straight away do you?".
Two days later, however and Bridge announced he had pulled out of the fight due to the "deeply personal" comments which had been made as he felt they "crossed a line".
It leaves KSI searching for a fresh opponent but a man who has already fought under his Misfits umbrella has responded to the news.
Danny Simpson, who is understood to have been training with Bridge in recent times, made his professional boxing debut back in August when he faced Danny Aarons in Dublin.
The starting right-back in Leicester City's 5000/1 triumph in 2015/16, the 38-year-old pledged to put his Premier League winners' medal on the line and fought a split draw.
He appears to fancy a second bout, taking to X, formerly known as Twitter to write: "Disrespecting the ballers. Can’t be having that @KSI [angry face and boxing glove emoji] @MamsTaylor @MisfitsBoxing."
Bridge issues statement confirming cancellation
Having fought a charity match against Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews many years ago, Bridge looked set to make his professional boxing debut on a big stage.
But he took to Instagram to issue a statement confirming he would not be taking on KSI as planned, citing the comments which hurt his family and stating that he does "not want to be involved in these exchanges".
He also noted that KSI is a role model to young kids and hopes he doesn't behave in such a way in the future.
"I'm sure a lot of you have seen what happened on Saturday night at the Misfits Boxing event," Bridge wrote.
"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."
"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."
Bridge, who is married to Frankie Sandford from girl group The Saturdays, finished by thanking his fans and claiming he has some "exciting things" on the horizon.
"Thanks for all the love," he said, signing off.
"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 retired in 2014 after spells with Southampton, Chelsea, Fulham, Manchester City, West Ham, Sunderland, Brighton and Reading.
Topics: KSI, Premier League
Josh Lawless