Three former Man Utd stars tipped for careers in boxing by former world champions

Sports

PAULIE MALIGNAGGI has backed Wayne Rooney for a move into boxing, along with two other ex-Manchester United stars.

Rooney was given the opportunity to make the transition to the ring through KSI's Misfits Boxing promotion.

Paulie Malignaggi has made sure Wayne Rooney gets into boxing

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Rooney are two Malignaggi wants to see in boxingCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Romelu Lukaku, here clashing with Ibrahimovic, is another tip-off for boxing potentialCredit: Getty

And former world champion Malignaggi is all for it and wants both Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Romelu Lukaku to join him.

He told Lord Ping: “I don't think it's a bad idea, Wayne was always a physical attacker like a Christian Vieri type.

“I think Rooney has the physicality and the skills, he was a very strong and great athlete.

“He's a big boxing fan. When I met him he knew who I was, which put me off. I'm interested in boxing him.

“There are certain guys in football who could maybe put up a bit of a fight; Wayne Rooney, Romelu Lukaku, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, I agree.”

Rooney, 38, is an avid boxing fan and was infamously knocked out in his kitchen by fellow footballer Phil Bardsley during a drinking binge that spiraled out of control.

Ibrahimovic, 42, meanwhile, has a black belt in taekwondo, while Lukaku, 30, is known for his physicality on the court.

Malignaggi, a former super lightweight and welterweight champion, retired in 2017 and has since transitioned to expert.

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Similarly, Rooney is now out of action since hanging up his boots and taking up coaching.

But he was recently fired by Birmingham in January, giving Misfits – pioneers in celebrity fighting – the space to make him an offer.

Phil Bardsley reveals all about the moment he knocked out Wayne Rooney in his kitchen and says he will fight him again

Rooney confirmed a deal had been proposed but spoke out in pledging his future to football.

He continued The overlap podcast: “They have been in contact and popped the question, but I think at this point I want to focus on my return to management – not boxing.”