Wayne Rooney backed to beat Jake Paul after ex-Everton striker confirms boxing fight talks

Wayne Rooney could be tempted to get into the boxing ring with Jake Paul, and Eddie Hearn thinks the former Everton star can beat the American.

Rooney, who spent two spells at Goodison Park at either end of his playing career, has been talking about the prospect of trying his luck in the ring. The Croxteth-born England legend said last week that he's been chatting with KSI's Misfits Boxing about maybe joining one of their events. Rooney used to box when he was younger and even talked to Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn about going up against people like KSI and Jake Paul.

Hearn believes Rooney could beat Paul, even though the social media star has been boxing seriously for a few years now. Paul has won eight out of nine professional fights, with five knockouts and is fighting again soon against Ryan Bourland.

"Wayne Rooney against Jake Paul at Old Trafford is a huge event and I back Wayne to win it, he used to box and was actually an amateur. He knows how to look after himself, I think he would like to have a go. I know Kalle and Misfits have reached out to him and I've spoken to him over the years about it," Eddie Hearn said on The DAZN Boxing Show.

Everton can save themselves after points deduction appeal claim

I had regrets about Everton move for a long time - they weren't club I wanted

Paul wouldn't get into the ring for KSI's event because the pair have a fractious relationship, so if Rooney wants to fight the American, it might have to be with Paul's 'Most Valuable Promotions'. Hearn has said before that Rooney often sends him messages after big fights because he really wants to try boxing himself.

"After every big fight, especially with a YouTuber, sometimes Wayne Rooney will fire me a message. I've said to