Rio Ferdinand will attempt to become a professional boxer at the age of 38.

The former Manchester United centre-back has always been a big fan of the sport, but has decided to take his love for the discipline a step further.

Ferdinand will first need to qualify for a British Boxing Board of Control licence, which Betfair is helping him with, before he can really start training and compete for a belt.

Speaking about his decision to take up the daunting challenge, Ferdinand said: "When Betfair approached me about the Defender to Contender challenge, the chance to prove myself in a new sport was a real draw.

Rio Ferdinand has always been a big lover of the sport (
Image:
Betfair)

"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."

Speaking to Standard Sport, Ferdinand added: "I'm into keeping fit and one of the big things I have missed since retiring from football in 2015 is the competition, whether it be as a team or as an individual going one-on-one against a striker.

The ex-Man United defender is working with Betfair to get into tip-top shape (
Image:
Betfair)

"I just miss that chemical that comes out of you. I have not been able to replace it. This is a great way to get that back. I'm doing this for many reasons. I'm doing this to test myself as a man, as a human being.

Betfair is currently assembling a team of fighters who will help Ferdinand get in tip-top shape ahead of a debut bout, which has yet to be decided.

He will be working with former WBC super-middleweight champion turned Team GB trainer, Richie Woodhall, who has already devised him a schedule.

Ferdinand has the backing of former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall (
Image:
Betfair)

"In all honesty, I think Rio can definitely box as a professional given time," said Woodhall.

"He has natural power in his right hand, is extremely fit and is very enthusiastic to learn which is encouraging."

The 38-year-old wants to show the world what he can do in the ring (
Image:
Betfair)

"Style wise he's very raw and I'll have to develop this which will take time but he has all the natural ingredients, height and reach advantages over boxers in his weight division.

"He definitely has potential to win a title in the future."

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