MF & DAZN X Series 17: Danny Simpson vs. Danny Aarons: Live round-by-round updates

Former Premier League football player Danny Simpson will make his influencer boxing debut against Danny Aarons at MF & DAZN X Series 17.

In 2016, Simpson made history when Leicester City won the Premier League title. Less than ten years later, the English-born right-back has retired from football and started training for a different athletic challenge.

On August 31, Simpson will headline MF & DAZN X Series 17 in his first promotional appearance under the Misfits banner. There are mixed expectations for the 37-year-old's upcoming boxing match, as he's been matched up against an opponent with similar combat sports experience.

Simpson will be fighting Danny Aarons, a fellow Englishman with millions of followers on social media. Aarons also hasn't competed in an influencer boxing match, but he plans to make a statement against the former football player.

Aarons is the favorite amongst fans to emerge victorious inside the 3 Arena in Ireland. Meanwhile, Simpson shouldn't be overlooked, as his athletic background could be a difference-maker in a boxing match between inexperienced fighters.

There are added stakes for this matchup. If Aarons wins, he will receive Simpson's Premier League gold medal from his title-winning season with Leicester City. If Simpson wins, Aarons must hand over his plaque from YouTube for reaching one million subscribers. The deal was made by handshake, not contractually.

Follow along with Sportskeeda for live updates of the 168-pound matchup between Danny Simpson and Danny Aarons.

---

MF & DAZN X Series 17: Danny Simpson vs. Danny Aarons

Round 1:

Danny Simpson vs. Danny Aarons is underway. Simpson comes out and unloads three or four punches. Both fighters are unbalanced and sloppy to start the fight. Aarons is trying to slow things down with his jab.

Simpson looks more comfortable since the fight has slowed down. Simpson throws a punch to the body and they clinch temporarily. Aarons needs to increase his volume because he's starting to get bullied. They end the round in the clinch.

Round 2:

Both fighters start round two with a frantic pace. Simpson whiffs on a big overhand right. Aarons is finding the most success when the fight becomes wild. Simpson's footwork has won him this fight thus far. Aarons is gaining confidence.

Simpson lands a clean right hand. Aarons attempted to regain momentum before missing several punches. Simpson is moving forward and landing more punches. Aarons could be fatiguing in round two. Simpson has been more composed.

Round 3:

Danny Simpson is utilizing a pushing jab where his whole body moves forward. It's awkward but working. Danny Aarons can't seem to find his range or any rhythm. The inexperience of both fighters is showing. Aarons is moving forward and found some success. The crowd showed their appreciation.

Aarons may have stunned Simpson temporarily. Aarons charged in and was slightly caught, slowing down his momentum. Simpson is starting to slow down as round three ends with a clinch and separation.

Round 4:

There's a possibility that Simpson is up 2-1 heading into round two. The first round was close, so the scorecards could be all over the place.

Aarons is looking better as the fight goes on. Simpson's volume has decreased drastically and Aarons is capitalizing on the void. Simpson landed two right hands, which could be big on the scorecards if nothing else happens.

Both fighters are looking tired and clinching often. This fight could come down to the final thirty seconds. They exchange jabs on the feet. Simpson ends the third round with an overhand right. We're going to the scorecards.

Official Result: Danny Simpson vs. Danny Aarons scored a split draw (39-37, 37-39, and 38-38).