Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been lined up for a sensational boxing switch after holding secret talks over FaceTime.
The former Manchester United striker has a martial arts background with a black belt in taekwondo.
These days, he is overseeing operations at ex-club AC Milan after hanging up his boots last year following a glittering 24-year career.
His old United team-mate Wayne Rooney moved into management following retirement but was linked with a stunning boxing fight.
Rooney even held talks with Misfits Boxing – home to celebrity-style crossover bouts – before deciding to take on the Plymouth job.
And Misfits head honcho Mams Taylor revealed he has even tried to talk Ibrahimovic, 43, into lacing up the gloves and stepping into the ring.
Taylor told SunSport: “I’ve tried to convince Zlatan and he can fight. I’m good friends with his manager and we had a FaceTime, the three of us.
“It was really cool because he’s seen a lot of Misfits fights and he’s followed it. He was a kickboxer, he’d be a good one as well.
“But yeah, there’s other names that aren’t quite as big as these guys that are but still very respected and have achieved a lot that are interested.
“And because it’s so realistic that those guys are going to fight, I’m not gonna give you their names.
“But, I will say that Zlatan and Wayne Rooney, there’ve been conversations and I think it’s a matter of time. At some point it will materialise.”
Rooney’s former United colleague Danny Simpson became the first footballer on the Misfits circuit in August.
He faced YouTuber Danny Aarons over four rounds with the bout ending in a controversial draw.
Simpson’s step into the ring has helped inspire others to take the leap with Taylor in talks with more ex-Premier League stars to fight.
But the promoter remained coy on the details as he said: “I’m not going to give you any names because I’ll ruin the surprise.
“But definitely there’s some really big names and some very credible footballers, ex-footballers who have expressed interest.
“So I think that’s gonna unfold in its own time.”
KSI, a popular YouTuber, has also been linked with a boxing debut with his manager and Misfits co-founder Mams Taylor.
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It remains to be seen whether Ibrahimovic will take the plunge and step into the ring, but Taylor’s words suggest it’s a matter of time before a big-name footballer makes their boxing debut.
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FAQs:
Q: Will Zlatan Ibrahimovic really be boxing?
A: It’s highly likely, according to Mams Taylor, the head honcho of Misfits Boxing.
Q: Who else is interested in boxing?
A: Several ex-Premier League stars have expressed interest in boxing, but their names have not been disclosed.
Q: When will the boxing debut happen?
A: Taylor says it’s a matter of time before a big-name footballer makes their boxing debut, but a specific date has not been set.