Former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand is set for a sensational career change after launching a bid to become a professional boxer.
The 38 year-old, who hung up his boots in 2015 after almost two decades in the Premier League, has agreed to take on Betfair’s ‘Defender to Contender’ challenge.
Ferdinand will train with the aim of qualifying for his British Boxing Board of Control licence before competing for a title belt.
In a statement, Ferdinand said: ‘When Betfair approached me about the Defender to Contender challenge, the chance to prove myself in a new sport was a real draw.
‘Boxing is an amazing sport for the mind and the body. I have always had a passion for it and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to show people what’s possible.
‘It’s a challenge I’m not taking lightly, clearly not everyone can become a professional boxer, but with the team of experts Betfair are putting together and the drive I have to succeed, anything is possible.’
Ferdinand also admits he misses the ‘chemical’ of competition after retiring from football over two years ago.
‘A lot of people sit and watch huge fights, plus other sporting events and say “I can do that” or “they’ve messed it up”,’ he told The Evening Standard.
‘There are a lot of armchair fans wanting to pass judgement. Well, I’m going to walk the walk and actually do it.
‘I’m into keeping fit and one of the big things I have missed since retiring from football in 2015 is the competition, whether it be as a team or as an individual going one-on-one against a striker.
‘I just miss that chemical that comes out of you. I have not been able to replace it. This is a great way to get that back.
‘I’m doing this for many reasons. I’m doing this to test myself as a man, as a human being.’
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