In a surprising sporting crossover suggestion, former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has publicly called for his old teammate Wayne Rooney to step into the boxing ring against Real Madrid icon Sergio Ramos. The proposal adds to growing speculation about potential celebrity boxing matches involving football stars.
Brown's Boxing Vision for Rooney and Ramos
Speaking exclusively to Betting Lounge, Wes Brown dismissed the idea of a Mohamed Salah versus Sergio Ramos rematch in the ring, instead putting forward Wayne Rooney as the ideal opponent for the Spanish defender. Brown emphasised that genuine interest in boxing is crucial for such endeavours, noting Rooney's well-documented passion for the sport.
'Mohamed Salah vs Sergio Ramos rematch in the ring? I don't think so, but Wayne Rooney would be good to take on Sergio Ramos,' Brown stated. 'He's always been into it, and I think that's the first thing you need to think about. Do you like it? Have you got any sort of background in it? I always think that helps.'
Rooney's History with Boxing and Management Focus
Wayne Rooney is indeed a long-time boxing enthusiast, frequently seen ringside at major fights and having previously walked out with legendary former world champion Ricky Hatton during his professional career. However, in 2024, Rooney revealed that while promoters had approached him about a potential boxing match, his current priority remains a return to football management.
'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,' Rooney commented on The Overlap. 'There's been a few offers, and obviously Misfits have been in, and that's been all over the news. But listen, I want to focus on getting back into management; that's my focus.'
Sergio Ramos's Boxing Connections and Football Future
Sergio Ramos has also shown an interest in boxing, having trained in the gym and donned gloves with UFC star Ilia Topuria. The 39-year-old defender, who was still playing professionally with Mexican side Monterrey last year before leaving at the end of his contract, has been linked with a genuine bout. Beyond combat sports, Ramos is actively involved in a consortium attempting to purchase his former club Sevilla.
According to The Athletic, the investment group fronted by Ramos entered 'a period of exclusivity' to buy the La Liga club last month. Additionally, Spanish publication AS reports that Ramos has offered to play for Sevilla again, potentially marking a third spell at the club where he began his career and re-joined for the 2023/24 season.
Other Footballers with Boxing Potential
Wes Brown also discussed the pugilistic potential of other former teammates, highlighting Rio Ferdinand and Danny Simpson. 'Rio was looking at getting into boxing a while ago. He's always had the physique. He'd be an interesting one,' Brown noted. 'Danny Simpson has done it. It's good fun. The lads love it. It gets them back into shape because sometimes you miss the hard work and that buzz you get from it.'
Brown, who himself engages in boxing training, added, 'I go boxing training. I love it. It's different to football. There's nothing wrong with taking a few punches out on a bag.' This insight underscores a broader trend of footballers exploring boxing for fitness and a new competitive challenge, blending athletic disciplines in the public eye.
