Rio Ferdinand has confirmed that he is to try to become a professional boxer.
On Monday evening, The Telegraph reported that the former Manchester United defender will switch sports at the age of 38. Rio retired from football over two years ago, but has kept in excellent shape.
Ferdinand has said the gym has helped him cope with the loss of his wife Rebecca, who died in 2015 from breast cancer aged just 34.
He confirmed his intention to step into the ring with a tweet on Tuesday morning.
The caption in the image reads, “Defender to Contender”, and Rio tagged former boxer turned coach and pundit Richie Woodhall in the tweet, as well as Mel Deane, a former rugby player turned professional trainer.
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
Rio will hope to emulate Curtis Woodhouse, a former Sheffield United striker who went on to become the British light-welterweight champion. Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff also switched sports in recent years. The former England cricketer beat Richard Dawson, an American boxer, in a four-round heavyweight bout back in 2012.
Ferdinand will have to obtain a boxing license before stepping into the ring, and more should be revealed about his new pursuit at a press conference scheduled for Tuesday afternoon in London.
Rio’s move into boxing has caught the attention of sports fans from football and boxing, as well as Gary Neville, his former United and England teammate. Neville made a pretty clever joke about Ferdinand’s possible tactics in the ring.
Hey @rioferdy5 when you're boxing does Vidic come in and take the punches whilst you cover round the back with me? 😉
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) September 19, 2017
Neville is, of course, referring to the United defence he played in alongside Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra. Vidic was often the aggressor, while Ferdinand and Neville offered defensive cover.
Neville wasn’t the only one to make a joke about Ferdinand’s decision, but most wished the former defender well.
Want Vidic to support you?😂
— Steff1HD🌐 (@stefflu00) September 19, 2017
Let's just hope Rio's boxing is better than your managerial career 😂😂😂😂
— Andy Powers (@redmaulchun) September 19, 2017
I will pay to watch if Rio to fight against John Terry
— coolaid (@coolaid852) September 19, 2017
Him winning will depend on whether Howard Webb becomes ref in boxing
— Ekanya Justine (@ekanya5) September 19, 2017
Hi Rio do u want knocking out in the morning pal
— andrew (@wee_abe) September 19, 2017
Rio Ferdinand vs Conor McGregor at Wembley Stadium next year. Sir Alex Ferguson as ref.
— Luca Massaro (@iamluca) September 19, 2017
