James McClean recently left Derry City, which he had joined in January following a high-profile stint as captain of Hollywood-owned Wrexham. While he has not ruled out soccer completely, he considers his time with the Welsh club as a fitting conclusion to his playing days if he never returns to the pitch. The veteran athlete has practiced boxing for years during his daily workouts to maintain physical and mental fitness. He has now expressed an interest in taking on British television personality Joey Essex inside the ring.
Key points
McClean is considering the influencer boxing circuit because his age prevents a tradition…: McClean is considering the influencer boxing circuit because his age prevents a traditional professional boxing career.
The former Wrexham captain is currently an unattached free agent for the first time in tw…: The former Wrexham captain is currently an unattached free agent for the first time in twenty years.
Influencer fighting offers seasoned athletes a lucrative platform to test their skills ag…: Influencer fighting offers seasoned athletes a lucrative platform to test their skills against non-professional opponents.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Oct 30 : Former Ireland international and Wrexham captain James McClean is a free agent after parting ways with hometown club Derry City on Wednesday and, though he is not done with soccer, his next sporting appearance may be in boxing rather than football.
The combative 37-year-old, who made his name with Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion and has more than 100 caps, is a boxing fanatic and told Reuters that he wanted to take on British TV star Joey Essex in a bout for the Misfits promotion.
The former Premier League player was speaking to Reuters following the publication of his autobiography, "The Walls".
Known for his direct, no-nonsense style and competitive fire as a footballer, McClean has boxed for years as part of a daily training schedule that keeps him fit physically and mentally. He is relishing the chance to test his skills in the ring.
"Sparring is great, pads are great, bags are great, but there's only one way to find out (how good I am), and that's stepping in the ring," he said.
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