KSI Finds New Opponent in Dillon Danis After Wayne Bridge Withdraws from Misfits 21
The boxing world, particularly the influencer boxing scene, has been abuzz with the recent developments surrounding Misfits 21. Originally, YouTuber KSI (JJ Olatunji) was scheduled to face former professional footballer Wayne Bridge in a highly anticipated match. However, a controversial incident during the Misfits 20 event led to Bridge’s withdrawal, forcing KSI and the Misfits Boxing organization to scramble for a replacement.
The controversy stemmed from KSI’s deeply personal comments targeting Bridge’s past relationship with Vanessa Perroncel and her alleged affair with John Terry, Bridge’s former teammate. While KSI’s remarks were intended to generate hype and provoke a reaction, they ultimately crossed a line, causing Bridge to reconsider his participation. Bridge, prioritizing his family and their well-being, decided to withdraw from the fight, citing the personal nature of the comments and their potential impact on his children.
Following Bridge’s withdrawal, KSI and Misfits Boxing embarked on a search for a new opponent. After much anticipation and speculation, they announced Dillon Danis, an MMA fighter and social media personality, as KSI’s replacement for Misfits 21. Danis is no stranger to controversy and has a history of engaging in heated exchanges with other influencers, making him a suitable opponent for KSI in terms of generating interest.
This fight between KSI and Danis is not their first encounter. The two were initially scheduled to clash in January 2023 at Misfits 004, but Danis pulled out shortly before the event, leading to KSI facing and defeating Faze Temperrr instead. Their previous history adds another layer of intrigue to the upcoming fight, framing it as a long-awaited confrontation. The bout has been tagged "Unfinished Business," underscoring the existing tension between the two personalities.
The animosity between KSI and Danis has been evident in their social media interactions, which have included personal attacks and insults directed at each other’s families. The fight’s promotional materials highlight this animosity, emphasizing the desire for both fighters to settle the score. KSI has expressed his eagerness to finally confront Danis, while Danis has dismissed KSI’s fighting ability and predicted an easy victory.
This matchup represents a significant shift for KSI. While Wayne Bridge would have offered a crossover appeal from the world of football, Danis brings a different dynamic. Danis, with his background in MMA and history of participating in influencer boxing events, is an established figure in the combat sports community, even if controversial. He notably fought Logan Paul in August 2023, a fight that ended with Danis’s disqualification for an illegal choke.
The change in opponent also underlines the evolving nature of influencer boxing. Initially centered around matchups between popular YouTubers and social media personalities, the scene has increasingly incorporated figures from other fields, including traditional athletes and trained fighters. The inclusion of Danis, an experienced martial artist, highlights this trend.
While the Bridge fight held the potential to attract a new audience of football fans, the KSI-Danis matchup promises a different kind of spectacle. With their history of animosity and their willingness to engage in trash talk, both fighters are likely to generate significant pre-fight hype. The fight itself is expected to be a high-energy affair, fueled by their personal rivalry and desire to prove their dominance in the influencer boxing arena. The Misfits 21 event is scheduled to take place at the AO Arena in Manchester, offering a large stage for their confrontation.
