Rio Ferdinand has an offer on the table for his first professional boxing bout.
Just 10 days ago, news broke that at the age of 38, the former Manchester United and England captain is trying his hand at boxing, as part of a 'Defender to Contender' challenge proposed by Betfair.
Though the BT Sport pundit is yet to obtain a licence, he is under the tutelage of former amateur and pro standout Richie Woodhall, as he hopes to steer the former footballer to glory inside the squared circle.
Image: PA
And while he's only in the early days in his bid to get in between the ropes at some point in the new future, Ferdinand has been called out already - though it's not an active.
Rugby league legend Jamie Peacock MBE, who won nine Super League titles in stints with Bradford Bulls and Leeds Rhinos, like Ferdinand, has been training to become a boxer and wants to do battle with the six-time Premier League winner when Spring rolls around.
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He's made the challenge via Twitter and wants the fight at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, to raise £250,000 for charity.
There's been no response from Ferdinand as of yet, but it'd certainly make for an intriguing build-up - given that it would be a Rugby League great going up against a Premier Legaue legend.
Speaking about turning to boxing, Ferdinand had the following to say in the Betfair press release:
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"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."
Image: PA
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His coach Woodhall, a former WBC super-middleweight title holder, acknowledges the tough task at hand but believes he has the tools to turn professional eventually.
"In all honesty, I think Rio can definitely box as a professional given time," Woodhall said.
"He has natural power in his right hand, is extremely fit and is very enthusiastic to learn which is encouraging.
"Style wise he's very raw and I'll have to develop this which will take time but he has all the natural ingredients, height and reach advantages over boxers in his weight division and definitely has potential to win a title in the future."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Football, Boxing, Rio Ferdinand
