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Eddie Hearn Says Wayne Rooney 'Would Love' To Do A Charity Boxing Fight

Eddie Hearn Says Wayne Rooney 'Would Love' To Do A Charity Boxing Fight

Imagine Rooney swapping the football pitch for the boxing ring...

Josh Lawless

Josh Lawless

Promoter Eddie Hearn says footballer Wayne Rooney is more than willing to participate in a charity boxing fight - and has even joked about fighting former United teammate Rio Ferdinand.

England's record goalscorer is a huge fan of the sport and has shown support for the likes of Liam Smith, Tony Bellew and Ricky Hatton in the past.

Image: PA
Image: PA

But Rooney, who was memorably knocked out by Phil Bardsley when the two put the gloves on in his kitchen in 2015, is well up for stepping into the ring himself.

When asked if other celebrities have expressed an interest, Hearn told talkSPORT: "Yeah, loads. But more like people like Wayne Rooney.

"I've got a podcast, he was on there recently, he loves it. He's been boxing in amateur clubs.

"Wayne would love to do a charity fight. All these guys, they love boxing."

Rooney's long-time colleague Ferdinand announced he was trying his hand at boxing in 2017 but never even got as far as having a professional fight after he failed to obtain a boxing licence.

And Hearn added that the two of the biggest stars in English football could having a charity boxing match could work very well.

"The only way I'd do a fight like that is if there was a huge amount of money for charity," Hearn stressed.

"I said that to Wayne Rooney before, he was joking about fighting Rio [Ferdinand] before when Rio was getting into his boxing.

"That's an opportunity, a Sport Relief event or something like that, to make big money for charity."

Hearn was previously not in favour of celebrity encounters but the MatchRoom Boxing chief will now promote the upcoming rematch between YouTubers KSI and Logan Paul, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on November 9.

The 40-year old has requested both fighters turn professional, lose head guards and use 10-ounce gloves for the bout, which will be shown live on US subscription service DAZN.

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Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Boxing, Rio Ferdinand, Eddie Hearn, Wayne Rooney