In the Red corner... it’s Rocky Ferdinand

RIO FERDINAND will today stun the sporting world by starting a new career in boxing, at the age of 38.

The former Manchester United and England captain (with Anthony Joshua, above) has promised a “major news announcement” this afternoon,

and Mirror Sport can reveal it will confirm his bid to become a pro fighter.

BBC and BT Sport pundit Ferdinand was pictured with heavyweight world champion Joshua in April and has been posting footage of himself in training on social media.

In January, he put up a video of himself doing pad work with ex-rugby union centre Mel Deane, while calling out British stars Joshua, David Haye and Tony Bellew.

Ferdinand will need a licence in order to box professionally but he will not be the first former footballer to step into the ring.

Ex-Sheffield United striker Curtis Woodhouse became British light-welterweight champion in 2014.