Wayne Rooney confirms talks with KSI’s Misfits Boxing but pours cold water on suggestion fight could happen soon

Wayne Rooney admits he’s been in talks with KSI’s Misfits Boxing, however, he wants to focus on getting back into being a manager.

The former Birmingham manager was axed from his post at St. Andrew’s in early January after a disastrous run of results that had the Blues fighting relegation.

But rather than aim for another job in coaching, it was reported that the Manchester United legend has been speaking to KSI’s boxing label Misfits Boxing over appearing at one of their next events.

Boxing promoter Kalle Sauerland runs the company alongside YouTube star KSI, which has hosted events including OnlyFans models, YouTube stars and MMA fighters in the past.

And Rooney could be the latest celebrity cameo as he looks to fulfil a lifelong dream as a huge boxing fan himself.

The 38-year-old has confirmed that talks have taken place, however, it may be some time before we see him in the ring.

When asked if he’s going to be a boxer on the Stick to Football podcast, Rooney said: “You never know!”

He added: “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 obviously. Misfits have been and that’s been all over over the news.

“I want to focus on getting back into management, that’s my focus.”

Rooney stepping into the ring would be a remarkable change in career considering he was parachuted in at Birmingham last year.

The former England international had been building his CV as a coach after performing well at Derby County before becoming D.C United manager.

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However, his shocking record at Birmingham was laid bare after getting the sack after just 15 matches in charge where he won two games.

DAZN hold broadcasting rights for Misfits fights, which have included some audacious bouts including tag-team fights and battles between OnlyFans models.

The boxing label has brought controversy upon itself in the past with ugly scenes at weigh-ins and press conferences, as well as overhyped promotions.

Rooney’s boxing past includes him walking out with Ricky Hatton for his fight against Jose Luis Castillo in 2007.

And the avid boxing fan has been ringside for several fights in the past, including watching Manchester favourite Anthony Crolla in his title defence against Jorge Linares in 2016.

Rooney was even a member of an amateur boxing club in his hometown Liverpool when he was a kid while an infamous clip of him boxing Phil Bardsley went viral of the ex-defender knocking him out.

The following weekend, he scored for Man United and celebrated in now-iconic fashion by shadowboxing before pretending to be knocked out.