Rio Ferdinand gives up boxing challenge

ByAlexander Netherton

Updated 03/05/2018 at 10:25 GMT

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has said he will not take part in a boxing challenge after the the British Boxing Board of Control refused to review his professional application.

Ferdinand took to social media to say he would be 'hanging up [his] gloves on @betfair #DefendertoContender challenge' because:

"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."

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However, after thanking those he worked with for their help, 'so far,' it is unclear whether Ferdinand is retiring from the sport or simply withdrawing from the challenge.

Rio Ferdinand

Image credit: Getty Images

Ferdinand retired from football in 2015, and has since worked as a football pundit.

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