Ex-Man Utd man who won Premier League announces shock career change with Misfits boxing move

Danny Simpson will take on 22-year-old YouTuber Danny Aarons on the KSI Misfits show at the 3Arena in Dublin. The 37-year-old’s announcement and boxing debut comes as the franchise continues to rise in popularity since forming two years ago.

From Eccles, Simpson came through the ranks at United but only played a handful of first-team games before moving onto Newcastle in 2010. He would then win the Premier League with Leicester in 2016. He also had spells with Queens Park Rangers and Huddersfield and announced his retirement at the end of July having last been with non-league Macclesfield.

Now it’s time for a major career change in the world of YouTube and influencer boxing which has seen stars like KSI and Jake Paul amass huge fortunes and sell out arenas - shaking up the sport in the process.

Posting on social media, Simpson said: “So it’s official. I’ll be making my boxing debut on the 31st of August at the 3Arena in Dublin. Excited for fight night. Let’s have some fun.”

The Dublin show - Misfits Boxing 17 - will see KSI perform a live concert having been initially scheduled to take part in a two-on-one match against Slim and Anthony Taylor before picking up an injury.

On announcing his retirement at the end of July, Simpson said: "It's the day every footballer knows will come around eventually and the one nobody wants to happen but it's time to announce my retirement from the game we all love so much. Whilst it's a day I never wanted to come and it's been a while since I played I know it's time to hang up my boots and concentrate on other projects.

“I have so much to be grateful for, football has given me so much and I need to say thank you to so many people. My friends, my team-mates and my family who all had to put up with me lol. Thank you."