Rio Ferdinand’s new venture: Others who have turned to boxing from other sports
The former footballer will not be the only professional athlete to try their hand at boxing.
Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has announced he is to attempt to become a professional boxer, with the ultimate aim of challenging for a title.
The 38-year-old, who retired from football in May 2015, is taking part in Betfair’s ‘Defender to Contender’ project and will be training with former WBC super-middleweight champion Richie Woodhall.
Here, Press Association Sport looks at some of Ferdinand’s predecessors in terms of pursuing pro boxing having competed in other sports.
Conor McGregor
UFC star McGregor’s high-profile venture into boxing last month saw him stopped in the 10th round by Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.
Sonny Bill Williams
The New Zealand international in both rugby codes had seven professional heavyweight fights between 2009 and 2015, winning all of them (three by knockout) and became New Zealand heavyweight champion.
Andrew Flintoff
The ex-England cricketer had one professional fight, a heavyweight contest of four two-minute rounds against American Richard Dawson at Manchester Arena in 2012. Flintoff, who had trained under Barry and Shane McGuigan, was knocked to the canvas in the second but recovered to claim victory on points.
Curtis Woodhouse
Former midfielder Woodhouse played for the likes of Sheffield United, Birmingham and Peterborough before beginning a pro boxing career in 2006 that has featured 30 bouts, 23 wins and a British light-welterweight title.
Leon McKenzie
Having played as a forward for clubs including Crystal Palace, Peterborough, Norwich and Coventry, McKenzie switched to boxing in 2013 and his record at super-middleweight shows eight wins, two draws and a defeat.
Leo Roget
Roget is another former footballer who made his ring debut in 2013, although it ended up being his only pro fight. The former Southend and Oxford defender lost on points to fellow Briton Mitch Mitchell at London’s York Hall.
Katie Taylor
Taylor played international football for the Republic of Ireland before before going from lightweight gold at the London 2012 Olympics to her pro boxing career, which currently stands at six wins from six bouts.
