Anthony Joshua has offered to train with Rio Ferdinand to help former footballer become a professional boxer

Rio Ferdinand has asked world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua to help him become a professional boxer.

The 38-year-old former England and Manchester United centre-half announced today he will start training in a bid to fight for an English cruiserweight title next year.

Ferdinand has hired former WBC super-middleweight champion and Team GB coach Richie Woodhall to be his trainer and has also turned to British hero Joshua, the holder of the WBA, IBF and IBO heavyweight belts, for help.

Speaking exclusively to Standard Sport, Ferdinand said: “I spoke to Anthony the other day and he told me I can come and use his gym; that I can come and train with him.

“It’s great to have someone of that expertise prepared to let you come and use the same gym as them. To have a bit of time with a world champion like Joshua would be great.

“I have been to watch his fights. He is unbelievable and what an athlete. I will definitely be leaning on him for advice and guidance. He’s a world champion, a main man.

“Anthony has warned me about what I’m taking on. He said, ‘Listen, this won’t be easy, it won’t be a walk in the park. There are going to be gruelling sessions to get through’. But I understand that.

“This is a huge test of my mind and body. I’m not looking at it to become the world champion, I’m not ­stupid.”

Ferdinand is taking part in the ‘Defender to Contender’ project in conjunction with online betting company Betfair.