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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand turns to boxing

The star defender made 312 appearances for Manchester United from 2002 to 2014 before heading to play for Queens Park Rangers.

MUN Image Source : GETTY IMAGESA file image of Rio Ferdinand during his days at Manchester United.

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he is set to become a professional boxer. The former Red Devil's defender has turned to a place where the brawler can actually use his hands to knock out people and not been shown a red card.

"It's happening... Can't wait to get started with the team @betfair have put together, @richiewoodhall and @meldeane ?? #DefenderToContender," Ferdinand tweeted. 

The star defender made 312 appearances for Manchester United from 2002 to 2014 before heading to play for Queens Park Rangers. 

The 38-year-old, who is yet to get his British Boxing Board of Control licence 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."

The centre-back who made 81 appearances for England, won the English Premier League (EPL) title six times and Champions League once with Manchester United. 

(With IANS Inputs).