Former Manchester United and England captain Rio Ferdinand has announced he is switching sports to become a professional boxer.

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The 38-year-old quit football back in 2015, but today it was revealed that he’s moving into the squared circle. He said:

When Betfair approached me about the Defender to Contender challenge, the chance to prove myself in a new sport was a real draw.

Boxing is an amazing sport for the mind and the body. I have always had a passion for it and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to show people what’s possible. It’s a challenge I’m not taking lightly – clearly not everyone can become a professional boxer – but with the team of experts Betfair are putting together and the drive I have to succeed, anything is possible.

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It’s a pretty big career jump, but Rio seems determined and has even linked up with former world champion Richie Woodhall to help him on his quest to be boxing champion. Ferdinand is already in training to gain his British Boxing Board of Control licence and is planning a series of fights over the next year. Apparently he’s not just in it to make a quick buck by competing in a one off fight, but is serious about making an impact in the sport.

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It is yet to be decided which division Ferdinand will campaign in or who will be picked for his first pro-fight, but now that the news is out I’m sure we don’t have long to wait to find out more. Although Ferdinand has shown his love for boxing on his social media accounts, the news has still come as a shock to the sports world. Still, it looks like he’s taking his training very seriously – watch this space.

To read about the dad who made his kid fight a pro boxer for being the school bully, click HERE.