Rio Ferdinand’s boxing career is over before it had even started.
The former Manchester United and England defender had announced he was to take to the ring last September, backed by betting company Betfair. In the time since, he had been training diligently in preparation for his professional boxing bow.
Unfortunately for him, however, the dream is over. He revealed on Thursday that his fight debut will not be taking place as the British Boxing Board of Control have rejected his application for a licence to fight.
‘To say I’m disappointed by this decision is an understatement,’ the 39-year-old said in a statement. ‘To not be given the chance to demonstrate my ability to the BBBofC through the standard assessment afforded to others is hard to take, not only for me, but also to Richie, Mel and the countless others who have dedicated their time to my boxing development over the past six months.’
Despite Ferdinand’s obvious disappointment, some couldn’t resist the opportunity to make a joke out of the situation, pointing out that he ‘retires’ from the sport undefeated.
https://twitter.com/ItsPunguin/status/992028969926000640
On another note, congrats to Rio Ferdinand on retiring from boxing undefeated #GOAT #TeamFerdy
— Jack Anthony (@HackJegarty) May 3, 2018
Rio Ferdinand retires undefeated fair play 👏🏼
— rb (@Bellstrum97) May 3, 2018
Rio Ferdinand undefeated in the ring #Legend
— harry (@harrythompsonn) May 3, 2018
Rio Ferdinand retiring undefeated from boxing 🥊 #respect
— Paddy Hobbs (@Paddy_Hobbs) May 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/According2Adam/status/992028380232024068
Congrats to rio ferdinand for retiring from the ring undefeated 😂
— Nath (@nath_clark97) May 3, 2018
You get the idea.
Ferdinand retired from football in 2015, a year after leaving Manchester United – where he spent the majority of his career – for Queens Park Rangers. He remains as a pundit for BT Sport, and was part of the team that covered Liverpool’s semi-final success against Roma on Wednesday.
