Former Manchester United and England defender, Rio Ferdinand has announced the launch of his professional boxing career two years after retiring from football.
38-year-old Ferdinand, who works as a football pundit, will link up with Team Great Britain Olympic coach Richie Woodhall as he takes up the new challenge of “aiming for a belt”.
It’s happening… Can’t wait to get started with the team @betfair have put together, @richiewoodhall and @meldeane ? #DefenderToContender pic.twitter.com/s6AmLRo7DN
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 19, 2017
Ferdinand said in a promo video: “I’m doing this because it’s a challenge, I’ve won titles and now I’m aiming for a belt.”
The former worlds most expensive defender follows in the footsteps of former Birmingham City midfielder Curtis Woodhouse and former Crystal Palace forward Leon McKenzie, who became professional boxers after quitting football.
Rio Ferdinand started his football career at West Ham, then moved to Leeds before joining Manchester United in 2002 where he won six Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League over 12 seasons at Old Trafford.
