Rio Ferdinand reveals he almost became a boxer

12 February,2026 08:16 AM IST |  Mumbai  |  A Correspondent

Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand disclosed that he trained seriously for six months to become a professional boxer after retiring from football in 2015. Despite his dedication, he was denied a license, missing a potential high-profile fight against Anthony Joshua

Rio Ferdinand. Pic/Instagram


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Manchester Utd legend Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he attempted to turn into a professional boxer following his retirement from football in 2015. Ferdinand, 47, a centre-back, who also played 81 games for England, told Men's Health magazine recently: "I trained for six months. Sparring at the gym in Olympic Legacy Park in Sheffield. I'd drive for five hours in the car on a Monday to train. I was serious, but they didn't give me a license. Someone died the weekend that my license went in. I could have been fighting Anthony Joshua [two-time unified heavyweight champion] for a hundred mil! I can't wait around. It was either now or never," said Ferdinand, who won six English Premier League titles.

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