RIO SEEKS CAREER IN THE RING

LONDON: Former England football captain Rio Ferdinand confirmed he will train to become a professional boxer with the ultimate aim of challenging for a title belt.

The 38-year-old former Manchester United star, who retired from football in May 2015, is taking part in online betting firm Betfair’s “Defender to Contender” project and will be training with former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall.

Ferdinand will be seeking to qualify for a British Boxing Board of Control licence before starting training and competing for a title belt.

“Boxing is an amazing sport for the mind and the body,” said Ferdinand.

“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.”

Ferdinand, who will also work with personal trainer Mel Deane, added on Twitter: “It’s happening ... Can’t wait to get started with the team @betfair have put together, @richiewoodhall and @meldeane #DefenderToContender.”

Ferdinand, who has played for West Ham, Leeds, Manchester United and QPR, is currently working as a pundit with BT Sport and the BBC.

He has also admitted that spending time boxing in the gym has helped clear his head a bit after losing his wife and the mother of his three children Rebecca Ellison to breast cancer in 2015.