Skip to main content
Boxing News
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Schedule
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Fight Schedule
  • Current Champions
  • Magazine

Follow us

  • YouTube YouTube
  • Instagram Instagram
  • Twitter / X Twitter
  • Facebook Facebook

© 2013—2026 Boxing News

Magazine

Rio Ferdinand attempting to become a professional boxer

The boxing ring beckons for former football star Rio Ferdinand

Paul Wheeler

18th September, 2017

Rio Ferdinand attempting to become a professional boxer
Action Images/Tom Jacobs

RETIRED football star Rio Ferdinand is attempting to become a professional boxer at the age of 38.

The Londoner, who captained Manchester United and England on numerous occasions during an outstanding and trophy-laden career, currently serves as a football pundit on BT Sport.

Of course, former pro footballers trying their hand at boxing is nothing new. Ex-Crystal Palace and Norwich City player Leon McKenzie recently hung up his gloves after challenging for the Southern Area super-middleweight title. He had also previously fought for English 168lb honours, and ended his ring career with a respectable 8-2-1 (4) record.

Curtis Woodhouse, who represented Sheffield United, Birmingham City and England Under-21s on the football pitch, famously claimed the British super-lightweight crown in the squared circle. Earlier this month, the 23-7 (13) fighter had his first bout in over three years.

Rio Ferdinand

Woodhouse has wished Ferdinand the best of luck in his new sporting venture: “Wish Rio Ferdinand all the very best if he decides to give pro boxing a go. Who is anybody to say what he can or can’t do. Live ya life.”

More stories

Rodriguez on Inoue vs Nakatani

Bam Rodriguez rates Nakatani’s chances of becoming the first man to beat Inoue

19 Apr, 2026
Deontay Wilder

Deontay Wilder called out for fight he has ‘run from for years’: “I’d love that”

19 Apr, 2026
Wardly vs Daniel Dubois

Roy Jones delivers KO verdict on Wardley vs Dubois: “You better get him out of there”

19 Apr, 2026
Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua

David Price sees only one winner in Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: “I’ve always said that”

19 Apr, 2026
Boxing News

Since 1909

Editorial

  • News
  • Live Coverage
  • BN Investigates
  • Opinion
  • Features
  • Magazine

Boxing

  • Upcoming Fight Schedule
  • Current Boxing Champions

Company

  • About Boxing News
  • Contact us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy policy

Follow us

  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • X
  • Facebook
  • Google News
Copyright 2013—2026 Boxing News