Former English international defender Rio Ferdinand is reportedly to announce his intention to convert to 38 years as a professional boxer.
Ferdinand, who retired in May 2015, will participate in a program launched by sports betting company Betfair anf will be coached by former WBC super middleweight champion Richie Woodhall.
“Boxing is an incredible sport for body and mind. I’ve always been passionate about this sport,” Ferdinand said on Tuesday. “It is a challenge that I don’t take lightly. It is clear that not everyone can become a boxer.” he added.
The former Manchester United defender admitted that boxing will face the possibility of injuries when he fights in the ring.
“It’s definitely something I’ve thought about but that’s part and parcel of sport. In all sports there is element of danger. Obviously, football isn’t that dangerous but you see footballers that have died on the pitch as well.” Ferdinand said.
“It’s not just physically that I’m testing myself but mentally too. Can you wake up early in the morning when it’s windy and rainy and dark and go out on those runs? Can you take those punches in the training sessions?” he added.
Big fan of boxing, Ferdinand had entrusted in the past to have spent time in the gym to practice the boxing, and recognised that the practice of this discipline had helped much after the loss of his wife, who died in 2015.
“I’m just more happy when I am in the gym and that I train, it invigorates me and calms me at the same time.” Ferdinand said
“The training didn’t shock me very much, but the technical side of this sport is very difficult. There are a lot of things we don’t see before we get into the ring. Time is needed before you feel at ease. The ego takes it in turn.” he added.
Rio Ferdinand and Anthony Joshua taking picture after the fight against Wladimir Klitschko in April. (Source:www.sportinglife.com)
The 38-year-old man will have o convince the BBBC, the body that manages professional boxing in the UK, to grant him a license.
If he succeeds to reach this sport, Ferdinand would become the first footballer to make a reconversion to a ring since Curtis Woodhouse, former scorer of Sheffield Wednesday, who crowned British super lighweight champion in 2012.
