Rio Ferdinand admits to wanting hard-man former Manchester United team-mate Nemanja Vidic in his corner for boxing debut
RIO FERDINAND has admitted he might need help from hard-man former team-mate Nemanja Vidic when he makes his boxing debut.
The ex-Manchester United and England defender played at the heart of the Old Trafford back-line alongside the powerhouse Serbian.
And Gary Neville – upon hearing the news the retired footballer is taking up professional fighting – had a dig at the ex-centre-back.
Neville wrote: “Hey @rioferdy5 when you're boxing does Vidic come in and take the punches whilst you cover round the back with me?” and signed off with a winking emoji.
And Ferdinand counter-punched with a rapid reply, he wrote: “Vida did take some hits for us.
“He might have to come in my corner! Some1 that can take bit responsibility... will leave you out.”
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.
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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.
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.
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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