Harry Redknapp calls out Roy Keane - ‘He’s not as tough as he makes out, it’s bravado'

Harry Redknapp has had his say on a number of former Premier League stars, and he believes he could beat Roy Keane in a boxing match

Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s

12:14, 01 Oct 2024

Harry Redknapp watches his horse 'Bowtogreatness' run in the Timeform Novices' Handicap Chase as he attends Festival Trials Day at Cheltenham Racecourse on January 27, 2024 in Cheltenham, England.

Redknapp reckons he could take on Roy Keane in the ring(Image: Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Harry Redknapp has cheekily suggested he could outbox Roy Keane, dismissing the former Manchester United midfielder's tough image as mere "bravado".

Keane is renowned for his uncompromising style in the heart of United's team and his candid punditry. The Irishman is no stranger to some good old-fashioned football either, having received 13 red cards throughout his playing career.

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While appearing on the Soccer PM YouTube channel, ex-West Ham and Tottenham boss Redknapp confidently claimed he could hold his own against Keane in a boxing ring.

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When presented with a list of former Premier League players and questioned about his chances in the ring, Redknapp said: "I don't think Roy Keane's as tough as he makes out. It's all bravado. I wouldn't mind fighting Roy Keane, actually."

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During Keane's peak years at United, Redknapp was managing West Ham and Portsmouth. Although, it's Jamie Redknapp, Harry's son, who has more frequently crossed paths and delivered some high-tension arguments with Keane - as both are now regular faces on Sky Sports as football analysts.

Roy Keane of Manchester United challenges Jamie Redknapp of Spurs during the Barclays Premiership match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United on September 25, 2004 at White Hart Lane, London, England.

Keane and Harry Redknapp's son, Jamie, clashed on the pitch from time to time(Image: Jamie McDonald/Getty Images)

Redknapp Snr didn't stop at Keane; he also named several other ex-players he felt confident about facing in a boxing match – claiming that he'd be "too tall" for Ballon d'Or winner Michael Owen.

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Gareth Southgate, Shaun Wright-Phillips and Paul Scholes were all named as players he could take on in the ring – but he expressed a particular fondness for Scholes, adding: "I love him, what a footballer."

Harry Redknapp faced off with Roy Keane in the dugout when the two were at QPR and Aston Villa(Image: Action Images / Tony O'Brien)

Redknapp also had the opinion that he'd be outfought by the likes of Peter Crouch, Sol Campbell, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand – the last two of which he helped bring through at Upton Park.

Article continues below

When ex-Chelsea midfielder Dennis Wise was named, Redknapp said: "You'd have to kill him to beat him!"

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