Danny Simpson, a name etched in football history as part of Leicester City’s miraculous Premier League-winning squad in 2015/16, has traded the roar of the crowd on the pitch for the sharp crack of gloves in the boxing ring. Retiring from football last summer after a stint with Macclesfield, Simpson stunned fans with an unexpected pivot to combat sports—and he didn’t hold back, putting his Leicester champion medal on the line in his debut fight.
A Fighter’s Path Born from Struggle
Simpson’s transition wasn’t born of whimsy but necessity. Post-retirement, the former defender grappled with a loss of purpose, admitting to unhealthy habits. “At Riyad Mahrez’s wedding, I was drinking too much and had put on weight,” he revealed. Like many players of his era, he struggled with the void left by football. “In football, you always have something to look forward to—a game, a goal, a mission. That sense of purpose was gone overnight.”
Boxing provided a lifeline. “Everything happens for a reason,” he said, crediting the sport for helping him regain focus and discipline.
Gloves On Medal Up
Simpson’s debut fight came in Dublin’s 3Arena on August 31, battling FIFA streamer Danny Aarons in front of 13,000 fans. Competing in the Light Heavyweight category (75–83 kg), Simpson wagered his Premier League medal, while Aarons put up his coveted YouTube Play Button.
The intense preparation pushed Simpson to new limits. “I’ve done 18 to 20 pre-seasons, but nothing compares to this. Boxing demands two or three sessions a day, year-round. It’s grueling but transformative,” he shared.
The fight, a four-round spectacle, ended in a split draw, leaving both men retaining their prized possessions and setting the stage for a potential rematch.
The Next Chapter
While Simpson’s debut didn’t yield a victory, it ignited a new passion. Speaking to Boxing Social, he expressed interest in fighting James McClean, an old football rival. McClean, now a supporter of Simpson’s boxing journey, teased a future bout once the football season ends.
From Premier League glory to the pugilist’s grind, Danny Simpson’s story is one of reinvention and resilience, proving that champions can thrive far beyond the pitch.