Rooney vs Paul? Hearn hoping it can happen (Picture: Getty)
Eddie Hearn says he would be interested in backing another huge crossover fight between Jake Paul and Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney.
Matchroom chief Hearn helped ignite the influencer boxing scene, promoting the two fights between KSI and Logan Paul – the first under amateur rules in 2018 in Manchester followed by a rematch in Los Angeles the following year where both men had turned professional.
Rooney, recently named the new Birmingham City boss, is a huge fight fan, fighting as an amateur before committing to football as a youngster.
And Hearn has raised the possibility of the 37-year-old lacing up the gloves again against American superstar Paul back at Old Trafford.
Appearing on Stick to Football alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, Roy Keane and Ian Wright, Hearn said: ‘After every big fight, especially with a YouTuber, sometimes Wayne Rooney will fire me a message.
‘I’ve said to Wayne, who had a very limited amateur pedigree but could still fight, imagine the shape you’d get in [if you trained for a fight].
‘I told him, Wayne Rooney against Jake Paul at Old Trafford, imagine that. I get asked the question all the time.
Paul has a 7-1 record after defeat to Tommy Fury last February (Picture: Getty)
‘Most footballers follow boxing and secretly they’d all love to have a go. Everyone thinks they can fight.’
Rooney was famously involved in a 2015 video clip that went viral where he appeared to be knocked out by United teammate Phil Bardsley as the two playfully sparred in someone’s kitchen.
Paul recently announced he is still to return to the boxing ring in December. The 26-year-old suffered a split decision defeat to Tommy Fury in February but bounced back with a win over UFC legend Nate Diaz in August.
Paul has a 7-1 professional record having also recovered wins over former UFC champions Tyron Woodley and Anderson Silva.
Rooney’s priorities for now will be on Birmingham, returning to English football this month after leaving his role at DC United.
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Rooney often messages Hearn looking for a fight against an influencer boxer.
