Former Premier League winner and former Man United star makes his boxing debut and fights on the undercard of KSI’s Misfits anniversary event in Dublin

Misfits Boxing have announced the line-up for their upcoming fight night at the 3Arena in Dublin on August 31.

The organization, which was founded by YouTuber and boxer KSI, has grown tremendously since its inception two years ago.

To celebrate the company’s second anniversary, several fights have been announced. For example, KSI will return to the ring after being defeated by Tommy Fury in a back-to-back bout against Slim and Anthony Taylor in October 2023.

Elsewhere on the undercard, Dane The Great takes on Dubliner Fogarty, while Danny Aarons and social media sensation Beavo also face off in the ring.

There is also a surprise on the programme: two-time Premier League winner Danny Simpson (37) has been announced as one of the fighters.

KSI will make his comeback in the ring on August 31st against Slim and Anthony Taylor at Misfits Boxing

It will be the first time he steps back into the ring since he was defeated by Tommy Paul (left) in October.

Simpson, who announced his retirement just over a week ago, enjoyed a 19-year career at the highest level, starting his career in the Manchester United youth academy.

He spent time on loan at Sunderland, Ipswich, Blackburn and Newcastle before moving to St James’ Park permanently in 2010. He made just eight appearances for the club before joining Old Trafford.

After a spell at QPR, Simpson joined Leicester in 2014, where he helped the Foxes win the Premier League during their fairytale 2015–16 season.

But it looks like the 2008 Champions League winner will be swapping his boots for a pair of boxing gloves as the 37-year-old will be taking on YouTuber Danny Aarons.

“A fight with a Premier League winner wasn’t on my bingo card for 2024 but here it is,” Aarons wrote on Instagram following the announcement.

In the latter part of his professional career, Simpson played for Huddersfield and Bristol City, before retiring after a spell at Macclesfield.

Simpson announced his retirement on July 27 via Instagram, thanking everyone who supported him during his career.

Former Man United star Danny Simpson (pictured) will fight at the event later this month

Simpson (right) won two Premier League titles during his career with Man United and Leicester

Danny Aarons posted a promotional poster of the fight on his Instagram, captioning the image: ‘Fighting a Premier League winner wasn’t on my 2024 bingo card’

In a statement, he wrote: ‘It is the day that every footballer knows will come and that no one wants to experience, but the time has come to announce my retirement from the sport we all love.

“Although it’s a day I never wanted to go to and it’s been a while since I’ve played, I know it’s time to step away and focus on other projects.”

He added: ‘I have so much to be thankful for. Football has given me so much and I have so many people to thank. My friends, my teammates and my family who put up with me lol. Thank you.’

Simpson has recently opened up about his career at the top level, revealing how Cristiano Ronaldo once helped him get a date with Miss California during a pre-season tour of America with Leicester.

The former footballer told the podcast UndrTheCosh that he had gone to dinner with Miss California, but that the date had not gone well.

Simpson would later play for Bristol City and Macclesfield before announcing his retirement

The event will take place on August 31 at the 3Arena in Dublin and will be broadcast on DAZN

“It was painful, but anyway, it wasn’t going great and I got a tap on the shoulder,” he told the podcast. “I looked up and it’s just (Cristiano) Ronaldo. He’s ‘Simmo’ and I’m ‘Ronny!’

“I got up and gave him a little hug and everything. Anyway, we had a little chat because obviously we’re in pre-season and he’s won the Euros (with Portugal) so he’s got a longer break,” Simpson added.

‘I sat back down and she said, “How do you know Ronaldo?”

“I played it down and said ‘I used to play with him’ like it was nothing. From that moment on she changed completely.”