Former Manchester United defender, Rio Ferdinand, has ended his ambition of becoming a professional boxer Ferdinand, 39, intended to fight in the cruiserweight division under the guidance of former supermiddleweight world champion and Team GB coach, Richie Woodall, as part of a project dubbed "Defender to Contender" However, in a statement issued on hisPromoter Barry Hearn said he thought there was only a 50/50 chance that Ferdinand would receive a boxing licence, and told BBC Radio 5 live "It's laughable I like Rio, don't get me wrong, but this is an advert for a reality TV show Rio Ferdinand has expressed his dismay after being refused a professional boxing licence The former England and Manchester United defender retired from football in 15 and had planned to launch Rio Ferdinand Boxing Update Former Manchester United Star In Olympic Training Sessions Boxing Sport Express Co Uk Rio ferdinand boxing licence