Wayne Rooney confirmed he opened talks with KSI’s promotion Misfits Boxing last week about potentially competing on one of their upcoming events. The former England captain boxed as a youngster and has previously joked with Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn about fighting the likes of KSI and Paul.
Hearn thinks that Rooney could beat Paul despite the YouTuber-turned-boxer dedicating himself to the sport for the past couple of years. Paul holds a professional record of 8-1 with five wins by knockout and is back in action in less than two weeks against unknown professional boxer Ryan Bourland.
Hearn told The DAZN Boxing Show as cited by Sports Central: “Wayne Rooney against Jake Paul at Old Trafford is a huge event and I back Wayne to win it, he used to box and was actually an amateur. He knows how to look after himself, I think he would like to have a go. I know Kalle and Misfits have reached out to him and I’ve spoken to him over the years about it.
Paul wouldn't fight on KSI's promotion because of their heated feud, so Rooney's would likely have to compete for Paul's 'Most Valuable Promotions' for the fight to happen. Hearn has previously said that Rooney often messages him after watching big fights about his eagerness to get in the ring.
Hearn told Sky Sports' Stick To Football: “After every big fight, especially with a YouTuber, sometimes Wayne Rooney will fire me a message. I’ve said to Wayne, who had a very limited amateur pedigree but could still fight, imagine the shape you’d get in [if you trained for a fight].
Rooney confirmed his talks with Misfits Boxing but said he is more focused on getting back into football management after being sacked by Birmingham City last month. The 38-year-old was in charge of the side for just 83 days and led them to just two wins in 15 matches.
