James McClean’s next chapter could take him well beyond the football pitch. As his return to Derry City appears to be heading towards an unhappy conclusion, the former Republic of Ireland international has confirmed that he has held talks about making a Misfits Boxing appearance.
The 37-year-old returned to his hometown club in January after leaving Wrexham, hoping to help create a memorable final chapter at the Brandywell. However, he has not played since July and has described the situation as a bitter disagreement between himself and the club’s ownership.
Sports Ireland: McClean confirms boxing discussions
McClean told The Guardian that boxing has become a major part of his routine over the past 18 months. Although he does not intend to pursue a conventional professional boxing career, he said Misfits Boxing is interested in staging a fight involving him.
“I’ve been boxing off and on for 10 years and in the past 18 months I’ve really thrown myself into it,” McClean said. He added that a professional career was not realistic at his age, but that several exhibition-style bouts could appeal to him.
Misfits Boxing, associated with YouTube personality KSI, has built its profile around crossover contests featuring online creators, former athletes and recognisable public figures. McClean’s competitive personality and football profile would make him a natural fit for that audience.
A new challenge after football
McClean has regularly shared clips of sparring and pad work on social media. He describes his preferred approach as that of a pressure fighter, relying on fitness and intensity to stay close to an opponent.
The former Ireland winger has also been clear that he is not comparing himself with elite professionals. He has spoken admiringly of fighters such as Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Álvarez, while framing a possible Misfits appearance as a fresh challenge rather than the start of a long boxing career.
- McClean has trained in boxing on and off for roughly a decade.
- He has intensified that work during the last 18 months.
- He believes three or four fights could be the right number.
- Any bout would likely follow the conclusion of his Derry City contract.
Derry City dispute adds uncertainty
The boxing news comes as McClean’s football future remains unclear. He returned to Derry with hopes of a fairytale ending, but has said that he now believes his time at the club is effectively over.
McClean has disputed the circumstances surrounding his absence from the team and previously insisted that he was fit to play. Derry City responded by saying it had attempted to resolve the matter privately and referred to sensitive medical information relating to his hip. The club also rejected his suggestion that promises had been broken.
The disagreement has ensured that McClean’s final months at Derry have been dominated by off-field tension rather than football. It also leaves questions over whether the former Ireland player will feature again before his contract expires.
From Ireland football to the fight game
McClean won 103 caps for Ireland, making him the fifth-most-capped player in the country’s history. His international career, Premier League experience and outspoken personality have made him one of the most recognisable figures in modern Irish football.
His interest in boxing has been visible for some time. Former Newcastle and Manchester United defender Danny Simpson referenced their old Tyne-Wear derby confrontation before making his own Misfits debut, while McClean has also exchanged comments with Tony Pulis about a potential bout against Jake Paul.
Those moments have added fuel to the idea that McClean could eventually enter the ring. For now, however, there is no confirmed opponent, date or official fight announcement.
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What happens next for McClean?
McClean’s immediate priority is likely to be resolving his Derry City situation before turning fully towards boxing. A Misfits contest would give him a new training target and another public platform, but it would also bring the risks associated with stepping into a competitive ring.
His comments suggest that the attraction is less about building a boxing record and more about finding purpose after football. Training, discipline and the prospect of a new test appear to have offered him a positive focus during a difficult period.
Explore more: Follow Irish football coverage and sport and lifestyle stories for more crossover sports updates.
Key takeaway
James McClean’s football career may be nearing its conclusion, but his competitive journey could continue in a different arena. With talks under way and his Derry City future unresolved, the next major development to watch is whether the Ireland football veteran receives a confirmed Misfits Boxing date.
Article/Image Courtesy: Balls.ie
