Ex-Man U star Wayne Rooney's next venture could be boxing

Former England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney may be looking to make a pivot to the ring. The 38-year-old has had talks with a boxing promoter to participate in a Misfits Boxing promotion, according to ESPN.

The Manchester United record goal-scorer was recently fired from his manager role at Championship side Birmingham City. He also has experience coaching in second-tier English football and the MLS.

Misfits Boxing is a crossover boxing promotion founded by YouTuber KSI in 2022. The cards typically feature online creators but have facilitated events for former athletes as well. Former NFL running back Le’Veon Bell picked up his first official boxing victory on a Misfits card in April 2023. Former MMA fighter Chris Avila fought on the same card.

Existing outside the rules of the British Boxing Board of Control, any fight Rooney does with Misfits would not be considered a professional fight.

Rooney would join a long list of athletes who have converted to boxing late in their careers. He would follow in the footsteps of former Premiere Leaguer Curtis Woodhouse, who eventually went on to win a British light welterweight title. One of the greatest female lightweight boxers, Katie Taylor, transitioned her career from Gaelic football to full-time boxing. Former Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman Ed “Too Tall” Jones went a perfect 6-0 in the ring as a heavyweight. Former Houston Oilers running back Alonzo Highsmith retired from football in 1992 and went on to finish 27-1-2 in a three-year career.