Danny Simpson Wants To Box Wayne Rooney

Danny Simpson has called out former Manchester United soccer player Wayne Rooney for a boxing fight. 

Simpson played with Rooney during their time at United. However, following his retirement, Simpson entered boxing. He made his debut on Misfits against YouTuber Danny Aarons. The match was competitive, as Simpson held his own. However, it was not the result he was looking for, as it ended in a draw.

However, the result was satisfactory since Simpson had bet Aarons his 2016 Premier League medal if he lost. Rooney has expressed his desire to enter boxing and admitted that he was in negotiations to fight on Misfits. However, he chose to go back into management following his sacking by Birmingham City. 

Rooney Reacts

“They’ve been in touch and asked the question but I think at the minute I want to focus on getting back into management, not boxing. There’s been a few [offers] and obviously Misfits have been in and that’s been all over the news. But listen I want to focus on getting back into management, that’s my focus,” Rooney stated 

Rooney is now with Plymouth Argyle. Rooney and Simpson were seen together during a charity match against Celtic Legends. Simpson posted a picture of him with Rooney and their former team mate Phil Bardsley. Bardsley infamously knocked out Rooney after a video clip was leaked showing them sparring. Based on what he knows of Rooney, Simpson and Bardsley have expressed an interest in boxing him. 

Simpson Responds

“I’m seeing him next Saturday because we’ve got a charity game at Old Trafford against Celtic. Listen, I’d have a go with Wazza. He’s a boxer, I know he is. He’s been around it, everyone’s gotta back themselves, so why not?” Simpson 

Nevertheless, Rooney would have to get into shape. The footballer has not kept himself in peak condition since retiring. That leaves question marks over the weight class. It also poses risks for the fighter. Rooney is not in a desperate need to fight since he is financially secure. He has also been in the management world, building up his experience in the hope of getting a big job offer in the future.

If he were to take up a boxing fight, there are bigger ones. Fights with Jake Paul and KSI would generate much more money. But that comes with a bigger risk since both of them have had multiple fights. They have also faced pro boxers as they squared off against Tommy Fury. Eddie Hearn has previously put his support behind the idea of Rooney boxing Jake Paul.

“I’ve actually spoke to Wayne a few times about the Jake Paul fight. Normally, if he has a couple of glasses of red [wine] he’ll fire in a message to me at night going, ‘Listen, I wanna fight that geezer.’ Wayne can fight, he had a couple of amateur fights – but him against Jake Paul at Old Trafford, that’s actually a makeable fight,” Hearn revealed 

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