Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney is reportedly in talks with Misfits Boxing for a potential celebrity-style fight, which could rival the highly anticipated match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The Mirror was the first to report on Rooney's boxing debut. Misfits Boxing, co-founded by YouTuber-turned-prizefighter KSI, specializes in crossover bouts between social media, MMA, and boxing stars. Sources reveal that Misfits initiated talks with Rooney several weeks ago, although no opponent has been discussed. The plan is for Rooney to fight in May, coinciding with Fury and Usyk's heavyweight title bout in Saudi Arabia.
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Rooney's boxing switch
The news of Wayne Rooney's potential boxing debut has sent shockwaves through the sports world. Misfits Boxing, known for hosting crossover fights between celebrities and athletes, has reportedly approached the former Manchester United icon. The proposed fight is said to be scheduled for May, which could coincide with Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk's highly anticipated match for the undisputed heavyweight crown. Despite the lack of details regarding Rooney's potential opponent, the prospect of seeing the football legend step into the boxing ring has generated significant buzz.
Misfits Boxing and the rise of celebrity-style fights
Misfits Boxing, co-founded by popular YouTuber-turned-prizefighter KSI, has made a name for itself by organizing crossover fights between stars from various fields, including social media, MMA, and boxing. The promotion has previously relied on KSI to headline their pay-per-view events, with over 1 million box office buys. However, KSI has hinted that he may not continue boxing for much longer, prompting Misfits to search for new pay-per-view headliners. This has led to talks with footballers, including Wayne Rooney, to bring them into the world of boxing.
The potential clash with Fury vs Usyk
If the negotiations between Misfits Boxing and Wayne Rooney come to fruition, Rooney's boxing debut could clash with the highly anticipated match between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. The heavyweight showdown, originally scheduled for February 17 but postponed due to Fury's injury, is set to take place on May 18 in Saudi Arabia. With Misfits and their broadcast partner DAZN in search of new pay-per-view stars, the possibility of Rooney stepping into the ring in the same month adds another layer of excitement to the already buzzing boxing scene.
Rooney's interest in boxing
Wayne Rooney's interest in boxing is not entirely new. The former footballer, who retired in 2021 and recently parted ways with Birmingham City, has previously reached out to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn about the possibility of a fight. Hearn even entertained the idea of Rooney facing off against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Additionally, Rooney has contacted KSI, expressing his interest in a celebrity boxing match. While it remains to be seen who Rooney's potential opponent could be, the football legend's foray into the world of boxing has certainly captured the attention of fans and pundits alike.
