FERDINAND WOULD WANT VIDIC IN HIS CORNER AS HE GET SET TO BECOME A BOXER.

Rio Ferdinand says that he would have Nemanja Vidic in his corner when he makes his professional boxing debut - because he took some hits for him out on the pitch.

Manchester United legend Ferdinand has announced that he is taking to boxing as he looks to further his post-football career.

Ferdinand will first need to qualify for a British Boxing Board of Control licence, which Betfair is helping him with, before he can really start training and compete for a belt.

Gary Neville joked on Twitter that Ferdinand's former defensive partner Vidic should be in the ring instead of Ferdinand - and he responded by saying that he'd love to have him in his corner.

Ferdinand tweeted: "Vida did take some hits for us. He might have to come in my corner! Some1 that can take bit responsibility... will leave you out @GNev2."

Speaking about his decision to take up the daunting challenge, Ferdinand 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."

Speaking to Standard Sport, Ferdinand added: "I'm into keeping fit and one of the big things I have missed since retiring from football in 2015 is the competition, whether it be as a team or as an individual going one-on-one against a striker.

"I just miss that chemical that comes out of you. I have not been able to replace it. This is a great way to get that back. I'm doing this for many reasons. I'm doing this to test myself as a man, as a human being."

Betfair is currently assembling a team of fighters who will help Ferdinand get in tip-top shape ahead of a debut bout, which has yet to be decided.

He will be working with former WBC super-middleweight champion turned Team GB trainer, Richie Woodhall, who has already devised him a schedule.



Source: The Mirror.