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Rio Ferdinand has confirmed he is to take up professional boxing at the age of 38.
As part of Betfair’s ‘Defender to Contender’ project, the former Manchester United and England defender has linked up with former world champion Richie Woodhall in a bid to achieve success in the ring.
Ferdinand is applying for a British Boxing Board of Control (BBBOC) licence and is targeting a succession of fights in 2017/18 with the ultimate aim of competing for a title belt.
Ferdinand retired from football in 2015 after a hugely successful career in which he won an array of major honours with Manchester United, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League.
He also won 81 caps for England, scoring three goals, and captained his country on seven occasions.
On his new venture, Ferdinand said: “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.” (talksport)
