Jason McAteer challenges Roy Keane to a boxing match amid their deep dislike for each other.
There was a memorable clash between the two during a match between Sunderland and Manchester United in 2002.
Keane was sent off for elbowing his former teammate, with the 52-year-old recently saying McAteer ‘deserved’ it.
The former Republic of Ireland captain also insisted he should not have received marching orders.
Boxing news: Roy Keane and Jason McAteer clash in 2002
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McAteer angrily hit back at Axe, labeling the Sky Sports pundit a ‘joker’ and calling him ‘boring’.
And now, speaking to beIN SPORTS, the ex-Sunderland star has challenged Keane to a boxing match.
“We are elite athletes, we are players, and we work to win at all costs,” he said.
“Everybody at the top – cricketers call it sledging, basketball players do it, hockey players do it, American footballers – they call it trash talking.
“I knew what buttons to press that day, and I knew that if we were going to win a game, my battle against Roy Keane, one of the greatest players of all time, was going to have to go into his head.
“And I knew I could get into his mind.
“We clashed in the middle of the park, his book had just come out – and again, he was abusive.
“I was a bit saddened by what he said, he told me what he was going to do to me in the skirmish and I told him ‘put it in your next book.’
Addressing the elbowing incident at the Stadium of Light 21 years ago, McAteer added: “The world saw him elbow me.
“To say he didn’t do it is wrong, but to say I deserved it is worth salt.”
McAteer then sent a message to boxing promoter Eddie Hearn.
“I want them to just come here and forget what happened, let’s be civilized,” he said.
“Or we could get in the ring and compete for £1 million each.
“Eddie, if you’re looking. Eddie Hearn, put him on the phone.
“Roy, come on, you’re better than that. And I’ll stop reacting.”
When Keane left their training camp shortly before the 2002 World Cup, he strained relations with many of his Republic of Ireland teammates.
United was unhappy with the conditions at the Legend Camp, the food provided and the travel arrangements made.
However, Keane has no regrets and recently hit out at former manager Mick McCarthy.
“I have had conversations with Ireland over a number of years about the way we prepare for the Games,” he said.
“The frustration with me came with our approach to matches, our training gear and it reached its peak.
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Boxing news: Roy Keane and Jason McAteer were Republic of Ireland team-mates
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“The turning point was the 2002 World Cup. I showed my frustration, but that doesn’t mean I won’t participate in the game and perform well. People missed me leaving the World Cup.
“There were always question marks in the media about my commitment to playing for Ireland – I missed one game.
“The manager felt he wanted to get that game in front of a group of players.”
He added: “Mick McCarthy was very close with the Irish media – which is a different story.
“Mick then questioned me too – a reporter asked me if I respected Mick, and I said no, I didn’t.”
