"I'd hammer him" - Jack Wilshere names former team-mate as dream boxing opponent

Arsenal coach Jack Wilshere revealed he has picked up boxing and named a former team-mate as his dream opponent.

Since retiring from professional football last year, Wilshere has taken up a role as Arsenal’s under-18 manager.

The former England star has also found time to supplement his coaching duties with sessions at The Fit Factory gym in London, run by brothers Andreas and Chris Evangelou.

There, Wilshere has been sparring and is even contemplating taking a fight.

And the former Arsenal and West Ham midfielder already has a prospective opponent in mind.

Wilshere reveals dream boxing opponent

While on The George Groves Boxing Club podcast, Wilshere was asked which footballer past or present he would like to meet inside the ropes.

Wilshere responded: “I'd like to do it with someone I know. Do you know Aaron Cresswell? I played with him.

“I can always remember him sort of floating around the training ground sort of putting his hands up pretending to fight people.

“I think I'd like to have a go with Cresswell. He's a similar height to me as well, similar weight.”

The 30-year-old joked that he would show no mercy in a bout against the West Ham left back.

Wilshere said: “I'll hammer him. I'd hammer everything to do with him, his mum, everything. His mum's getting it.”

Wilshere’s Nwaneri boost

Away from the ring Wilshere's under-18s side were given a major boost this week as 16-year-old Arsenal prospect Ethan Nwaneri agreed to a professional deal for when he turns 17 in March 2024.

The teenager’s schoolboy registration was due to expire on June 30, and the youngster was reportedly attracting interest from the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea.

Nwaneri has been a star of Wilshere’s under-18 side, while last term, aged 15, he became the youngest player in Premier League history when he came on as a substitute against Brentford in September.

Indeed, Nwaneri is regarded among England’s most promising young talents having made his under-18s debut for Arsenal at 14.