Anthony Joshua offers to spar with Rio Ferdinand to help Manchester United icon ahead of first boxing bout
RIO FERDINAND has been offered the help of Anthony Joshua after announcing his ambition to win a professional boxing title.
The Manchester United legend has joined forces with bookies Betfair to make the switch from the pitch to the ring.
Former England captain and West Ham defender Ferdinand revealed his career change at a press conference on Tuesday.
The 38-year-old does not yet possess a boxing licence but confirmed he is being trained by former world champion Richie Woodhall.
And he also let slip that British boxing's biggest heavyweight star AJ has already spoken about helping him get in shape.
Ferdinand, who will fight a cruiserweight, said: "We were on a plane together and he offered to help me.
"He invited me to the gym for sparring."
Despite being paid by Betfair, Ferdinand has insisted that his decision to pull on the gloves is something he is taking very seriously.
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He added: "It wasn't a difficult decision; when Betfair approached me it was a quick yes.
"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."
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