KSI warned Wrexham star could ‘do damage’ as ex-Premier League ace tipped for career switch

KSI has been told to watch his back as fiery Wrexham captain James McClean has been backed to make a move into influencer boxing by a former international colleague

KSI has been warned that Wrexham star James McClean could “do damage” to him in the ring after being tipped to make a career switch into boxing. The former Republic of Ireland international is a big fan of the sport and often shares videos of himself sparring on his Instagram account.

The 35-year-old once trained with Floyd Mayweather Sr in Las Vegas and previously joked about the possibility of donning his gloves against the likes of KSI and the Paul brothers, Jake and Logan. He wrote on social media back in 2023: “Any em influencers want a dance partner?”

McClean is a combative presence on the football pitch and has played at the highest level during his career, featuring for the likes of Sunderland and West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League. He currently captains League One promotion chasers Wrexham, owned by celebrity A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Stepping into the ring with influencer boxers is therefore unlikely to phase him, and he has been backed to do just that by an ex-Ireland team-mate. Shane Long has tipped McClean to succeed in the sport after comparing him to an “angry little terrier” and suggested he would be capable of defeating KSI in a head-to-head battle.

“Could James McClean be a success in influencer boxing? You never know,” Long told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Irish Premier Division odds and betting. “He’s got an engine on him so he’s got the fitness for boxing and he always kept himself in the best shape possible.

“I’ve never actually seen him fight, so I don’t know. I’ve never seen him throw a punch, but if it’s one of his hobbies, then why not? He’s got the personality to go out there and entertain the crowd as well. So, never say never.

Could James McClean beat KSI? I think size is a big thing in boxing. I don’t know the weight difference there but I’d back McClean against anyone. He’s an angry little terrier, so he could do a bit of damage to anyone.”

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson is unlikely to want McClean to risk himself in a fight in the short term, with his team in the middle of a close battle for automatic promotion from League One. The Red Dragons are currently second in the table, one point ahead of rivals Wycombe, with four games left to play after Birmingham City sealed the title.

Long has backed both Wrexham and Birmingham to reach the Premier League, despite suggesting they will find it harder to compete in the Championship. Wrexham’s fanbase has grown significantly in recent years thanks to the success of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary and the former Southampton forward has hailed their achievements.