Rio Ferdinand Says He Doesn’t Plan On Having A Long Boxing Career

Don't expect the new boxing career of former British soccer star Rio Ferdinand to last very long, according to him.

Ferdinand made headlines a couple of weeks ago when he announced that he is training for a professional boxing career. Ferdinand appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss his motivation for becoming a boxer. Ferdinand said while he is indeed taking this new career move seriously, he doesn't plan on doing it for very long.

There is also the matter of Ferdinand getting a boxing license from the British Boxing Board of Control approved, but the organization has yet to make any announcement of the sort.  

"I want to see if I can get a license, become a professional and have one fight. I am not looking to have a career here. I am looking to have a professional fight and I will see where I go then. This is not a joke. Hopefully, I will get a license, go on to become a professional and fight someone. Boxing can't be a gimmick. If I take it lightly, I will get hurt," Ferdinand said.

If Ferdinand does indeed have a professional boxing fight, he joins other British soccer players such as Curtis Woodhouse, Leon McKenzie and Leo Roget to compete from the pitch and into the canvas.

There is still no date as to when Ferdinand will make his boxing debut, if he even gets a license to compete. Ferdinand retired from soccer in 2015 after a short stint with the club Queens Park Rangers. The 38-year old Ferdinand, who turns 39 in November, played in 81 games as a member of the English national soccer team and was a part of three FIFA World Cup teams. The full interview can be seen in the video above.