Rio Ferdinand boxing announcement ‘surprises’ BBBofC as he is yet to apply for licence to fight
Former Man Utd and England ace, 38, has announced that he will try his hand in the ring and wants a title within a year
RIO FERDINAND has 'surprised' the British Boxing board of Control - as he is yet to apply for a license to fight.
The former Manchester United and England ace, 38, has announced that he will try his hand in the ring and wants a title within a year.
However, his announcement has shocked BBBofC chief Robert Smith.
The general secretary told : "It was surprising that anybody would announce anything without contacting the governing body.
When asked would the BBBoC consider handing Ferdinand a licence, Smith added: "There's nothing to consider.
"I have not received an application so there's nothing to consider.
"I heard, for the first time, on the radio.
";If we receive an application we will consider it, as we have to do.
"But we've had no correspondence from Mr. Ferdinand."
Smith said former cricket ace Andrew Flintoff's went through gruelling sessions before submitting paperwork for his boxing license.
He added: "Freddie Flintoff went through a training period for over six months before he even considered applying."
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Ferdinand's former team-mate Gary Neville has trolled Ferdinand on Twitter by asking if he is going to hid behind hard-man defender Nemanja Vidic.
Neville wrote: "Hey @rioferdy5 when you're boxing does Vidic come in and take the punches whilst you cover round the back with me?"
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.”
