Former Manchester United defender refused pro boxing license

By Rajdeep Saha

May 03, 2018

11:02 pm

What's the story

Former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand expressed his disappointment after being refused a professional boxing license. The 39-year-old central defender had launched his new career in 2017, which was backed by betting company Betfair. The television pundit sees his new dream falter after the British Boxing Board of Control stated it won't be reviewing his application.

Twitter Post

Ferdinand hangs up his gloves with heavy heart

Having been training 4-5 times a week since announcing the aim of achieving a professional boxing licence stepping into the ring, it is with a heavy heart that I am hanging up my gloves on @Betfair #DefendertoContender challenge.

See more below 👇🏽https://t.co/UlpcHRq8PA pic.twitter.com/pIu0GzhcoP

— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 3, 2018

Not meant to be

Ferdinand felt hard done by authorities

The former footballer stated that not being given a chance to showcase his boxing skills is hard to take. He was being coached by former WBC super-middleweight winner Richie Woodhall. He added that he approached the sport with success in mind despite knowing the difficulties it carries. Ferdinand could have followed the footsteps of former footballers Curtis Woodhouse and Leon McKenzie, who became boxers.

Information

What next for Ferdinand?

The six-time Premier League champion, who was capped 81 times by England, will need to put this moment behind him and continue as a television pundit, where he has so far done a great job. Becoming a manager is something far-fetched at the moment.