Anthony Joshua has offered to spar Rio Ferdinand as the former footballer begins his quest to win a professional boxing title.
The former Manchester United and England captain has teamed up with Betfair to make the transition from the football pitch to the ring.
The 38-year-old does not yet hold a boxing licence but will be trained by former world champion Richie Woodhall.
And Ferdinand, who will fight at cruiserweight, revealed he has already spoken to heavyweight world champion Joshua.
"We were on a plane together and he offered to help me," he said.
"He invited me to the gym for sparring."
Ferdinand will be paid by Betfair for this venture but insisted he is taking it seriously.
"It wasn't a difficult decision; when Betfair approached me it was a quick yes," he added.
"I've got a good team around me and it's about testing myself.
"All of my career I've been used to competition and I've missed that since I retired.
"It's something for me to focus on, I've been through a few things in my life in the last few years and this is something I can channel my emotions.
"I have the utmost respect for the sport and I'm not coming into this saying I'm going to world champion
"I'm an armchair boxing fan and I'm ready to go places I haven't been before, both physically and mentally."