Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
WHAT WE’RE ALL SAYING FIONA PARKER Rio’s boxing bid is a knockout THE ISSUE
Ex-england football captain Rio Ferdinand has said his new boxing career is helping him to cope, and channel his aggression, after losing his wife Rebecca, 34, to breast cancer. His mum Janice died of the same disease in July. Most of you back his decisio
Good on you, Rio. I think he has coped amazingly well since the death of his wife and mother. I watched the recent TV documentary about his life and he came across as such a brave and decent man.
If this is what he wants to do to help him through, then why not? He’s had a very successful career and I’m sure he’s thought this through.
He’s in great shape so he might surprise everyone and do well.
Pete Wilkinson, Manchester
Rio has been through hell these last few years. This is his choice and no one has any right to judge him for it. He’s not being selfish by becoming a boxer.
He’s a fantastic dad to his children and is doing this for a reason and there’s no selfishness in that. Good luck, Rio. I back your decision.
Alexis Hammett, via Facebook
If Rio Ferdinand wants to box, then let him. George Foreman won his second heavyweight title at 46. So Rio at 38 is still a pup!
Patrick Morris, London
The only thing I don’t like about Rio turning to boxing is that he’s only getting this chance because of his name.
However, if he’s good enough, then let him box. He’ll bring in a lot of revenue on pay per view. But I do think maybe a more talented guy wouldn’t have got the same chance.
Myke Day, Bradford
Every sportsman these days wants to be a boxer. We might even see darts player Phil “the power” Taylor challenging Anthony Joshua for the world heavyweight title... nothing surprises me anymore!
Bernie Mahony, London
Rio Ferdinand is 38. Surely that’s way too old to start boxing? And he has children. He shouldn’t go into a boxing ring when he has so much to lose. I think it’s selfish of him to even think of starting such a dangerous career.
Shame on whoever managing him because he is being poorly advised.
There are so many dangers associated with boxing and there is a high risk of permanent damage. He needs to stop and think what effect this will have on his family.
Grief affects people in different ways and I’m sure he could find another way of channelling is his hurt, without doing something that could potentially devastate his family.
Neil Williams, Ramsgate, Kent
All ex-footballers get in a rut after they leave competitive sport and can’t just switch off. He needs something to focus on, so why not boxing? People will be quick to judge him as he’s got a new celebrity girlfriend and now a new career as a boxer, but people should just give him a break. He’s a good family man and supports his children. I think he’ll be a great boxer.
Karen Weathers
Macclesfield, Cheshire
Rio Ferdinand is too old to start boxing. He’s made enough money from football, so why does he want to start a new career that people take years and years to train for?
I know he’s been through a lot but he should be spending his time relaxing with his kids.
Terry Childs, Putney South West London