Rio Ferdinand confirms he is set to try pro boxing after stellar footballing career for Manchester United
Former England defender will be by far the highest-profile former footballer to step into the ring after Curtis Woodhouse and Leon McKenzie recently did the same
RIO FERDINAND has confirmed he is set to step into the ring after a stellar football career that saw him win everything in the club game.
The former England and Manchester United defender has partnered with betting company Betfair and will be coached by Team GB trainer Richie Woodhall.
Ferdinand, 38, still has to get his licence and is at cruiserweight at the moment - but he could move down to light-heavyweight.
He 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."
The former centre back won nearly every title in club football while starring for Manchester United - including the Champions League, six Premier League titles and two League Cups.
But he has had a turbulent few years, after the tragic death of his beloved wife Rebecca to breast cancer in May 2015. Earlier this year his mother also passed away.
Ferdinand, from Peckham in South London, has long been an avid fan of boxing.
Trainer Woodhall said: "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.
"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."
Clearly also a major publicity coup from the betting company, he could not escape banter from former team-mate Gary Neville.
The former United captain tweeted: "Hey @rioferdy5 when you're boxing does Vidic come in and take the punches whilst you cover round the back with me?"