11 June 2023 , 08:00
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Tommy Fury will swap the ring for the pitch on Sunday when he steps out at Old Trafford to represent the World XI at this year's Soccer Aid.
Excitement is brewing for the event, but some have questioned why Fury, who was born and raised in Manchester, has opted to don the shirt of the World XI rather than the England one. However, that has since been cleared up as the young boxer is actually of Mauritian descent on his mother Chantal’s side, while his father John Fury is of Irish Traveller descent.
The World XI will be captained by Olympic icon Usain Bolt, much to the delight of Fury who claimed: "I used to watch Usain in all the Olympics and to be playing alongside him on a football pitch will be absolutely incredible.
“I think for the first 10 or 15 seconds I’ll be a little bit starstruck until he tells me to get in position. But I’ll try and do him proud."
Fury has also admitted he was relishing the thought of playing at the home of boyhood club Manchester United.
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"My granddad is mad obsessed with football and ever since I was a kid he always used to take me to United games. He always used to watch United so I grew up around them."
Despite admitting that he is by no means the best footballer on the planet, Fury did go on to add: "It’s having fun and taking part, that’s what counts and I’m sure we’ll put on a great show."
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Tommy Fury and Liam Payne are two of numerous celebrities taking part in the charity football match (Andrew Fosker/REX/Shutterstock)He also made clear that he will not be taking it easy on his opponents, despite the fact it is a charity game.
“There will be bones shed, I will be slide-tackling hard. There will be no love lost on Sunday," Fury vowed to The Sun.
In February, Fury travelled to Saudi Arabia and conquered YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul by split decision in what was undoubtedly his biggest fight and victory yet.
He'll be hoping to be a winner once again come Sunday evening.
Kick off on the day is scheduled for 7:30pm and viewers can catch all the coverage on ITV with the event raising awareness and money for UNICEF.
Fury isn't the only high-profile face taking part, with former One Direction member Liam Payne lining up for England alongside the likes of Paddy McGuinness, Jermain Defoe, Karen Carney and Jack Wilshere, as Soccer Aid continues its tradition of blending celebrities with football excellency.