Former Premier League defender Danny Simpson is set to step into the boxing ring this Saturday night, embarking on a journey that began with a casual phone call and has quickly transformed into a brand new obsession. 

The ex-Leicester City and Manchester United full-back will take centre stage in the main event on Misfits’ card in Dublin, where he’ll battle it out with internet personality Danny Aarons in his first boxing fight.

If the challenge of learning a new sport was daunting enough, Simpson stepped in for Aarons’ opponent on just five weeks notice – leaving little time to learn the ropes.

In an exclusive interview with Mail Sport, Simpson opened up about the whirlwind events that led him from summer holidays to the boxing ring, the challenges of learning a new skill, and the unwavering support from his former teammates.

‘Everything happens for a reason,’ declared Simpson. Admitting to a carefree summer filled with Euros celebrations and ‘stag do’s,’ he confessed, ‘You know, you’re having fun, but are you really having fun?’ 

A call from boxing promoter Mams Taylor presented a new challenge, reigniting the fire that fuelled his successful football career, which saw him lift the Premier League title with the Foxes in 2015-16.

‘Ever since I was a kid, I thrived on challenges,’ he said, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to playing for Manchester United.

‘At the time, I was probably enjoying myself in the summer a bit much,’ Simpson recalled. ‘But now, in the last three or four weeks, this has been fun. Mams Taylor rang me and asked me, do I think I could do this in four or five weeks? And I love challenges.’

The transition from football to boxing hasn’t been all smooth sailing. ‘I’d be lying if I said it was easy,’ Simpson admitted. ‘It’s not. I’d be being disrespectful to boxers because it’s not. Listen, I trained football for 20 years, but this is different. You know, you come in every day it’s war and I’m trying to learn a new skill.’

Simpson’s journey has been a roller coaster of emotions, but he’s embraced the challenge. ‘It’s not easy, but I said it’s been exciting. There’s been days where you doubt yourself but that’s part of the journey,’ he explained. 

‘The boys are saying it’s a roller coaster of emotion and this is what I’d thrive on. So yes, it’s definitely tough. Did I expect it to be this? No! I was a bit naive. I was very naive actually, But I’ve embraced it and I’ve given 100 per cent up to now.’

Simpson has found a supportive environment at Pat Barrett’s gym. ‘I had to earn it, because he said, if he didn’t think I was going to have the attitude and application, then he would have told me. But I’ve listened to everything,’ Simpson recalled.

Simpson’s obsessive personality, which served him well in football, has been a valuable asset in his boxing training. ‘I’m one of them. I’m obsessive. 

‘So, this summer [it was] drinking and I’m glad it’s been highlighted! Or, before, it was football and now it’s boxing. I’m obsessive and that’s how I am, and I’ve done everything to the letter,’ he said.

As the fight approaches, Simpson is focused on ensuring he’s prepared for the challenge. 

‘Because of that, and it’s new to Pat and everyone else, you ain’t got anything to look at, yeah, so all you can do is focus on me right and making sure I’m fit, making sure I’ve tried to get the right techniques, and maybe I’m trying to get the right muscle memory, maybe the right footwork, the right, you know, the right shocks to come,’ he explained.

Simpson believes his experience in football will be a valuable asset in the boxing ring. ‘Ultimately, I’ve fought all throughout my career. So I’d like to think, you know, that will put me in good stead for the night,’ he said.

The support from his former teammates has been overwhelming as well. ‘A lot of them are saying fair play, because some of them said they wouldn’t do it. 

‘I think I’ll be getting a lot of support from the boys, and maybe they will follow after this, if everything goes to plan! They’re all excited to see it’.

Simpson also revealed which former team-mates he could envisage stepping into the ring, with one Leicester star a clear frontrunner. 

‘I could see Vards [Jamie Vardy] doing it just because he’s that type of character. Yeah, it’d be interesting to see after this, who actually would want to do it? There’s one thing saying it when actually trying to do it is another thing’. 

As Simpson prepares for his boxing debut, he’s balancing a mix of excitement and nerves. On Saturday night, he’ll step into the ring, not just as a former Premier League footballer, but as a fighter ready to prove himself in a new arena.