# Sports

Former Manchester Utd defender Rio Ferdinand starts boxing career

The star defender made 312 appearances for Manchester United from 2002 to 2014 before heading to play for Queens Park Rangers.

IANS | Manchester | September 19, 2017 2:06 pm

Former Manchester Utd defender Rio Ferdinand starts boxing career

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand on Tuesday revealed that he is set to become a professional boxer.

“It’s happening… Can’t wait to get started with the team @betfair have put together, @richiewoodhall and @meldeane ?? #DefenderToContender,” Ferdinand tweeted.

It’s happening… Can’t wait to get started with the team @betfair have put together, @richiewoodhall and @meldeane #DefenderToContender pic.twitter.com/s6AmLRo7DN

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— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) September 19, 2017

The star defender made 312 appearances for Manchester United from 2002 to 2014 before heading to play for Queens Park Rangers.

The 38-year-old, who is yet to get his British Boxing Board of Control licence 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.”

The centre-back who made 81 appearances for England, won the English Premier League (EPL) title six times and Champions League once with Manchester United.