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Two years after retiring from football, former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand is launching a new career as a professional boxer.
Betting company, Betfair, which is sponsoring the 38-year-old’s new career path, made the announcement on Tuesday.
Ferdinand currently works as a TV pundit and he has his own clothing line. He won the Premier League six times and the Champions League once during his time in Manchester,
“I’m doing this because it’s a challenge,” he said. “I’ve won titles and now I’m aiming for a belt.”
He has posted several social media videos in recent months showing him boxing and working with personal trainer Mel Deane.
BBC Sport reports that it was Betfair who approached Ferdinand about making the switch, and the betting company will help him qualify for his British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) licence before he begins training and competing.
“When Betfair approached me about the challenge, the chance to prove myself in a new sport was a real draw,” Ferdinand added.
The company previously backed Victoria Pendleton in her transition from Olympic cyclist to Cheltenham jockey.
“When Betfair approached me about the challenge, the chance to prove myself in a new sport was a real draw,” Ferdinand added.
BBBC general secretary Robert Smith said they had not yet received an application from Ferdinand for a boxer’s licence.
“I was completely surprised,” he said. “We don’t have an application, so there’s nothing to consider. Nor have we had any conversation with anybody regarding this.”
‘It’s laughable… he could get himself badly hurt’
Ferdinand will be coached by Team GB coach and former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall.
“In all honesty, I think Rio can definitely box as a professional given time. He has natural power in his right hand, is extremely fit and is very enthusiastic to learn which is encouraging,” Woodhall said.
“Style wise, he’s very raw and I’ll have to develop this, which will take time, but he has all the natural ingredients, height and reach advantages over boxers in his weight division and definitely has potential to win a title in the future.”
Ferdinand would not be the first ex-footballer to switch to boxing. Former Birmingham City midfielder Curtis Woodhouse and former Crystal Palace forward Leon McKenzie, became professional boxers after quitting football. Woodhouse became British super-lightweight champion.
Former England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff also launched a boxing career after retiring, winning his only pro bout in December 2012 against American Richard Dawson at Manchester Arena on points.