Danny Simpson, a former defender for Newcastle United, will try his hand at boxing at Dublin’s 3Arena next month. After ending his 17-year professional football career, Danny Simpson is focused on becoming a boxing champion.
The high point was when he made 30 appearances for Leicester City in their historic Premier League championship win in 2016. Before lowering the divisions at Huddersfield Town and Bristol City, Simpson played three more seasons at the King Power Stadium.
After an ineffective stint at Macclesfield, Simpson was forced to retire at the end of the season. “It’s the day that every footballer knows will come around eventually and the one nobody wants to happen, but it’s time to announce my retirement from the game we all love so much,” he posted on social media last month.
“Even though I never wanted to come on this day because I haven’t played in a long time, I realise it’s time to hang up my boots and focus on other things. I need to thank so many people because football has given me so much, and I have so much to be thankful for. My family, friends, and teammates who had to put up with me. I’m grateful.
The most memorable memories of Simpson for Newcastle United come from his tenure on Tyneside from 2009 until 2013. The former Sunderland right-back, who had first joined on loan, later agreed a permanent deal with the Magpies, helping them to an immediate Premier League return.
The following season, Simpson was a standout player as Alan Pardew led Newcastle to a fifth-place result and Europa League qualification. After leaving in good standing in 2013 to join Queens Park Rangers, he returned to Leicester three years later to win the league.
In a left-field career move, Simpson will step into the squared circle to face YouTuber Danny Aarons. The ex-Toon defender is set to feature on Misfit Boxing’s August 31 card at Dublin 3Arena as a last-minute replacement for TikTok star Brandon ‘Beavo’ Beavis.
