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DEFENDER TO CONTENDER

Rio Ferdinand confirms he is set to become a professional boxer and is targeting a title within a year… but gets trolled by former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville

RIO FERDINAND has announced a new career in professional boxing - and is targeting a title within a year.

The ex-Manchester United and England footballer has linked up with former world champion Richie Woodhall as he looks to become a champion in the ring.

 Rio Ferdinand has announced a new career as a professional boxer
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Rio Ferdinand has announced a new career as a professional boxer

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Ferdinand is already in training to gain his British Boxing Board of Control licence and is planning a series of fights over the next 12 months.

The former England captain follows Freddie Flintoff in embarking on the new career in boxing but unlike the cricketers he does not want to have just one fight.

Instead he is serious about making an impact in the sport and is already well into a programme of training and fitness work to get himself ready.

But his former Manchester United team-mate Gary Neville has trolled Ferdinand on Twitter by asking if he is going to hid behind hard-man defender Nemanja Vidic.

Neville wrote: "Hey @rioferdy5 when you're boxing does Vidic come in and take the punches whilst you cover round the back with me?"

Ferdinand, who played 81 times for England in his 15 year football career, has linked up with online bookmaker Betfair for the 'Defender to Contender' project, but insists it is not a gimmick.

 Rio Ferdinand is working with Team GB coach Richie Woodhall
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Rio Ferdinand is working with Team GB coach Richie WoodhallCredit: onEdition
 Rio Ferdinand is targeting titles in boxing after announces his new career in the sport
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Rio Ferdinand is targeting titles in boxing after announces his new career in the sportCredit: Betfair

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 Rio Ferdinand has appeared to be a big fan of the art of boxing in his workout sessions
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Rio Ferdinand has appeared to be a big fan of the art of boxing in his workout sessionsCredit: Instagram

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.”

 Rio Ferdinand believes he has the ability to make it in boxing
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Rio Ferdinand believes he has the ability to make it in boxing
 Rio Ferdinand will aim to win a boxing title as part of the Defender to Contender project
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Rio Ferdinand will aim to win a boxing title as part of the Defender to Contender project

Ferdinand has already been getting in work with former WBC super-middlweight world champion Woodhall, who is also a coach of the Team GB boxing squad.

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

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

“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 and definitely has potential to win a title in the future.”

It is yet to be decided which division Ferdinand will campaign in, as he is currently at cruiserweight but may cut down to light-heavyweight for fights.

 

 Freddie Flintoff's boxing debut was labelled a "circus" and a "disgrace" by some in the boxing world
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Freddie Flintoff's boxing debut was labelled a "circus" and a "disgrace" by some in the boxing worldCredit: Fame Flynet

Flintoff was victorious in his only pro fight to date as he outpointed American boxer Richard Dawson.

Ferdinand, who is currently dating Towie star Kate Wright, has previously shared clips of him working out on the punch bag on Instagram, but the move will come as a big surprise in the world of sport.

He has called out the likes of Tyson Fury, David Haye and Tony Bellew over the last few months, but what appeared to be a joke could be set to become deadly serious.

On one video posted to social media showing him sparring, Ferdinand wrote: "Boxing Fridays.... left right left right... boom! Don't beat around the bush."

He then copied in Fury asking: "When you get your licence back?

 

 Rio Ferdinand is currently dating stunning blonde reality TV star Kate Wright
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Rio Ferdinand is currently dating stunning blonde reality TV star Kate WrightCredit: xkatiewright/Instagram
 Rio Ferdinand is pictured with his current partner, Towie star Kate Wright and some friends
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Rio Ferdinand is pictured with his current partner, Towie star Kate Wright and some friendsCredit: Instagram

In another clip he called out the three UK boxing heavyweights, captioning it: "Boxing session this morning... heavyweight division up for grabs.

"Lets have it... you want some."

He was also ringside for Anthony Joshua's stunning KO victory against Wladimir Klitschko, and even entered the ring at the end to hold Joshua's belts.

Former Sheffield United and Birmingham professional footballer Curtis Woodhouse and ex-Norwich man Leon McKenzie have both made the switch to boxing.

But Ferdinand is not expected to make a career out of this, although he could well have a one-off bout at the end of his training camp.

 The ex-Manchester United man has tried to keep his relationship with Kate Wright on the downlow
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The ex-Manchester United man has tried to keep his relationship with Kate Wright on the downlowCredit: Instagram

And Woodhouse took to Twitter to message Ferdinand as the news broke last night.

Days after he won his comeback fight against Arvydas Trizno, 37-year-old Woodhouse tweeted: "No pressure champ" and tagged in Ferdinand.

Woodhouse then defended Ferdinand's choice, as he tweeted: "Wish Rio Ferdinand all the very best if he decides to give pro boxing a go.

"Who is anybody to say what he can or can't do. Live your life."

 Flintoff won his one and only fight against American puncher Richard Dawson
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Flintoff won his one and only fight against American puncher Richard DawsonCredit: Getty Images
 Towie star Kate Wright might not be too happy with the thought of her man being punched in the face
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Towie star Kate Wright might not be too happy with the thought of her man being punched in the faceCredit: INSTAGRAM
 Although they had tried to keep their relationship under wraps, Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand have confirmed they are a couple
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Although they had tried to keep their relationship under wraps, Kate Wright and Rio Ferdinand have confirmed they are a couple


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