With so much fuss being made about Conor McGregor vs Floyd Mayweather today based on what looks to be very, very tenuous reports, we've had our attention stolen by another bout featuring the one and only Denis Irwin.
We've reported on Irwin's history as a chess wiz before, which included competing in tournaments at Mosney as a youngster, but it seems that word has spread further afield as when Indian publication SportStarLive had a chance to sit down for a chat with one of the most dependable fullbacks ever to walk the earth, they decided to ask him about his skills on the chessboard.
With Eric Cantona also being a noted chess player, something you wouldn't immediately associate with professional footballers, Irwin was asked how the larger-than-life Frenchman compared to him when it comes to chess. The response from Irwin was quality.
Eric was not on my level. He certainly didn't fancy himself after playing against me.
Presumably he stopped just short of claiming 'They don't move like I move. You've gotta have some attributes if you want to sit opposite me'. We need a rematch.
Get these two greats of the game (of football) in the same room, with a chess board and a camera, and we're onto a winner.
Irwin was also asked an interesting question regarding Alex Ferguson's comments that the Corkman would be the only guaranteed choice in his all-time XI of players he managed.
That is quite a statement to hear from one of the greatest managers ever, and while Irwin acknowledged the compliment, he also offered a wonderfully humble response that suggested it's actually not that big of a deal.
I was very proud to hear that from a great manager like Sir Alex. He has won so many trophies, and has managed so many great players. But I suppose that as a left-back, his choices were limited. It was probably a toss-up between me and Patrice Evra.
A fantastically Irish answer from Denis, who really does come across as one of the most likeable men in football. It's a shame that his contract with MUTV and his ambassadorial role with the club mean we don't see as much of him as we should.
