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Anthony Joshua has offered to spar Rio Ferdinand as the former footballer begins his quest to win a professional boxing title.
The former Manchester United and England captain has teamed up with Betfair to make the transition from the football pitch to the ring.
The 38-year-old does not yet hold a boxing licence but will be trained by former world champion Richie Woodhall.
And Ferdinand, who will fight at cruiser-weight, revealed he has already spoken to heavyweight world champion Joshua.
a�?We were on a plane together and he offered to help me,a�? he said.
a�?He invited me to the gym for sparring.a�?
Ferdinand will be paid by Betfair for this venture but insisted he is taking it seriously.
a�?It wasna��t a difficult decision; when Betfair approached me it was a quick yes,a�? he added.
a�?Ia��ve got a good team around me and ita��s about testing myself.
a�?He invited me to the gym for sparring.a�?
Ferdinand will be paid by Betfair for this venture but insisted he is taking it seriously.
a�?It wasna��t a difficult decision; when Betfair approached me it was a quick yes,a�? he added.
a�?Ia��ve got a good team around me and ita��s about testing myself.
a�?Ita��s something for me to focus on, Ia��ve been through a few things in my life in the last few years and this is something I can channel my emotions.
a�?I have the utmost respect for the sport and Ia��m not coming into this saying Ia��m going to world champion
a�?Ia��m an armchair boxing fan and Ia��m ready to go places I havena��t been before, both physically and mentally.a�? a�� Mirror . .
derick.khumalo