{
  "id": 17345508,
  "title": "'Something I want to prove' - Former Ireland star James McClean calls out reality TV star Joey Essex for Misfits boxing bout",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/31/something-i-want-to-prove-former-ireland-star-james-mcclean-calls-out",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-31T05:36:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/something-want-prove-former-ireland-053604561.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Republic of Ireland and Wrexham captain James McClean has expressed his desire to enter the boxing ring after leaving his club Derry City. The 37-year-old winger, who has recently become an unattached player, has set his sights on a fight against British television personality Joey Essex under the Misfits promotion. Despite not officially retiring from football, McClean wants to test himself in the crossover circuit due to his newfound freedom and the appeal of fighting non-professional boxers. Having incorporated boxing into his fitness routine for years, the combative veteran is eager to step into the ring and prove himself. Reflecting on his Wrexham career, McClean sees it as his adopted home and is excited about the prospect of a new chapter in his life, whether it involves football or boxing.",
  "summary": "Former Republic of Ireland and Wrexham captain James McClean has expressed a desire to step into the boxing ring following his recent departure from hometown club Derry City. The combative 37-year-old winger has set his sights on fighting British television personality Joey Essex under the Misfits crossover promotion banner.",
  "key_points": [
    "James McClean, former Ireland star, wants to box.",
    "McClean targets Joey Essex for Misfits bout.",
    "Veteran boxer tests himself against non-professionals."
  ],
  "editors_take": "McClean’s pursuit of a crossover boxing match signals a shift toward professional athletes leveraging their newfound freedom to seek fame and competition within the lucrative influencer combat sports circuit.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}