KSI Confirms Next Boxing Fight: Date, Opponent & How to Watch Revealed

YouTube superstar, rapper and cruiser-weight boxer KSI has been confirmed as the newest permanent judge on Britain’s Got Talent, stepping in for dance icon Bruno Tonioli ahead of the talent show’s landmark 19th series. ITV producers announced the shake-up on 2 September 2025 after Tonioli bowed out because of scheduling clashes with the U.S. version of Dancing With the Stars. KSI—real name Olajide “JJ” Olatunji—made a surprise debut on the BGT panel last season as a one-off guest and quickly became a fan favorite when his Golden Buzzer propelled magician Harry Moulder all the way to victory. “I’m full of energy and can’t wait to make this the most entertaining BGT season ever,” the 32-year-old told reporters, promising to bring his trademark optimism and internet savvy to the judging desk alongside Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon. The appointment marks yet another pivot in a meteoric career that began in 2009 with FIFA commentary videos and now spans more than 40 million combined YouTube subscribers, chart-topping singles such as “Not Over Yet,” a best-selling Prime Hydration drink line and two sold-out boxing pay-per-views. Industry insiders say ITV is banking on that cross-platform reach to lure Gen-Z viewers back to Saturday-night TV, a demographic the network has struggled to hold in recent years. “JJ’s fan base is exactly who we want tuning in live, voting on the app and talking about BGT on social,” a production source noted. The move also broadens the Sidemen creator’s mainstream footprint as rumors of a 2026 Madison Square Garden grudge match with Jake Paul continue to swirl. Meanwhile Tonioli, who joined BGT in 2023 after leaving Strictly Come Dancing, wished his successor well: “KSI will be a fantastic judge—he’s already proven that this year,” the 67-year-old said in a statement. Filming on auditions is expected to start in November, with Britain’s Got Talent slated to return to ITV and ITVX in spring 2026. With Cowell hinting at “major format twists” to celebrate two decades on air, the addition of one of the internet’s most influential creators sets the stage for the show’s most digitally driven season yet. Keywords: KSI, Britain’s Got Talent judge, Bruno Tonioli replacement, Simon Cowell, Sidemen, ITV talent show, YouTuber boxer, Olajide Olatunji, BGT 2026 series.