Eddie Hearn hoping to stage Wayne Rooney vs Rio Ferdinand charity boxing match at Manchester United’s Old Trafford, asks Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk if he wants to fight

Boxing promoter Eddie Hearn has revealed that he wants to stage a charity fight between Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford in future.

The Manchester United legends have both previously shown an interest in the sport.

Rooney was infamously knocked out by Phil Bardsley in a kitchen spar back in 2015, which was filmed and then leaked to media.

Meanwhile Ferdinand attempted to launch pro a career back in 2018, but retired when it turned out to be beyond his reach.

During a discussion with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk on his No Passion No Point podcast, Hearn asked: “Can I get you in the ring for a charity punch-up?

“Would you like to go and do three or four rounds with anyone in the Premier League?”

Van Dijk replied: “If I’m fighting, which class am I?

“I’m like about 90kg.”

Hearn said: “Okay, you’re moving towards the cruiserweight limit.

“You [could be] a light-heavyweight, so you can fight Canelo Alvarez.

“I don’t know if you’ve heard of him? He’s not bad, I don’t think you’re gonna beat him Virg.”

Van Dijk agreed: “No, no, no. Nah, no chance.

“He’s too quick, he’s far too quick. What a fighter he is though.”

Hearn added: “I’d like to do Wayne Rooney against Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford for charity.

“Because they both think they can fight a bit, you know?

“And maybe me and you can talk after this podcast, you can get me a couple of the boys, Liverpool vs someone.

“I don’t think the gaffer would be too pleased with it.”

Van Dijk concluded: “Nah, he’s not gonna be pleased with it.”