Tyson Fury has confirmed he’ll spar with soccer legend Wayne Rooney in preparation for his anticipated world title fight against Oleksandr Usyk.
Fury destroyed Derek Chisora inside 10 rounds earlier this month to retain his WBC world heavyweight belt.
The ‘Gypsy King’ called out Usyk, who boasts a 20-0 record, after beating Chisora but the fight is yet to be finalised.
Fury confirmed his unlikely sparring partner Rooney – who is currently coaching MLS club D.C United – would join him in camp for a month.
“I spoke to Wayne and he’s well up for it,” Fury said.
“We’re going to bring Wayne in for preparation for Oleksandr Usyk. No (it’s not a joke), very serious.
“He’s going to come into camp for about four weeks to help me.”
Rooney, who is Manchester United’s record goal scorer, is a known boxing fan and is often seen ringside at fights.
“I think he’s the best we’ve seen in a long time, and I don’t think anyone will beat him,” Rooney told TalkSPORT after Fury beat Chisora.
“I think he’s an absolute legend for what he’s done for boxing. He’s entertaining, his skills are incredible, his mentality is incredible.
“If I’m being honest, I probably think he should be knighted because he hasn’t been afraid to go abroad, he’s won titles abroad, defended them abroad and he epitomises everything that boxing is.”
Fury said he’s planning on sparring with Rooney, 37, as he’ll need to train against “someone smaller” in preparation for Usyk.
“Wayne Rooney is a proper legend,” Fury said.
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“And I grew up watching him as a youngster for England and United. So, that’s [(an) amazing, amazing speech from him.
“He’s a massive boxing fan, he comes from a boxing family as well. So, hopefully, we can have a little spar in the future sometime.
“I do need someone smaller to prepare for Usyk. Wayne, if you’re listening, get on the blower, son.”
