Former West Ham and England defender Rio Ferdinand has had his bid to become a professional boxer rejected by the British Boxing Board of Control.
Ferdinand, who spent the majority of his career at Manchester United, posted the news on Facebook that he was “hanging up [his] gloves.”
In the statement Ferdinand said: “Despite having never felt better physically or mentally, after notifying the British Boxing Board of Control of my intention to apply for a licence, I have received confirmation that they would not be reviewing my application at this point in time.
“To say I’m disappointed by this decision is an understatement. To not be given the chance to demonstrate my ability to the BBBoC 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.
“Boxing is a physically tough, demanding and dangerous sport. I always gave it my utmost respect and never underestimated how difficult it would be. I wanted to show people that it’s OK to have a goal and strive to reach it. It’s important to approach everything with success in mind, and to give it your all, but sometimes things work against you.
“This sport has given me a new focus & drive and is something I will continue to do as part of my fitness regime.”
Tags: Football, Sport, West Ham United, BoxingHaving been training 4-5 times a week since announcing the aim of achieving a professional boxing licence & stepping into the ring, it is with a heavy heart that I am hanging up my gloves on @Betfair #DefendertoContender challenge.
See more below ??https://t.co/UlpcHRq8PA pic.twitter.com/pIu0GzhcoP
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) May 3, 2018
