Yahoo News Rio Ferdinand is launching a professional boxing career
Former footballer Rio Ferdinand is launching a career as a professional boxer – and he hopes to fight for an English title next year.
Betting company Betfair announced the news on Tuesday (September 19), after approaching Ferdinand about his new goal. He will aim to qualify for his British Boxing Board of Control (BBBC) licence before he starts training and competing.
A new sport. A new goal. #DefenderToContender @RioFerdy5: "I’ve won titles, now I’m aiming for a belt." pic.twitter.com/fdAjPwoSmg
- DefenderToContender (@Betfair) September 19, 2017
"I'm doing this because it's a challenge – I've won titles and now I'm aiming for a belt," said Ferdinand, who has already hired former WBC super-middleweight Champion and Team GB coach Richie Woodhall as his trainer.
Speaking to the Evening Standard, Ferdinand explained: "A lot of people sit and watch huge fights, plus other sporting events and say, 'I can do that' or, 'They've messed it up'.
"There are a lot of armchair fans wanting to pass judgement. Well, I'm going to walk the walk and actually do it."
