Rio Ferdinand announces boxing career switch

Following in the footsteps of Conor McGregor, Rio Ferdinand, the former Manchester United and England captain, is to attempt to become a professional boxer.

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.