Rio Ferdinand gets his first challenge issued to him following his announcement recently that he will be competing in boxing.

Ex-international soccer player turned pundit Rio Ferdinand continues to get spoken about across the media at the moment for his foray into the world of professional boxing at the age of 38.

Not many people know that Ferdinand has been great friends with former heavyweight champion of the world David Haye for well over a decade and that during his professional soccer career – he used boxing gyms to train and keep fit.

Yes, that shows he likes boxing and enjoys it but doing it for real in the ring as a pro, is obviously entirely different.

Gambling company Betfair are sponsoring Ferdinand’s journey and by all accounts, he should not have a problem getting a license from the British Boxing Board of Control.

No opponent has been lined up yet however, but, it appears he has got his first call out from someone willing to step in there with him at least.

It’s not from an actual boxer. A rugby player no less, by the name of Jamie Peacock. Speaking on social media Peacock had the following challenge for Ferdinand:

“Now then @rioferdy5 . Let’s have this. Spring 2018. @fdarena Leeds. Pack it out all for a good cause. Raise £250k for charity.” 

No date has been confirmed just yet for this Ferdinand boxing spectacle, but one suspects his backers won’t have a problem finding someone to broadcast the fight given the immense amount of media interest in his boxing adventure thus far.

From defender to contender, the journey goes on for Ferdinand. He has said that he’s not looking to do it just as a once off, unlike former Cricket player Freddie Flintoff did a couple of years back:

(Hat tip IFL TV YouTube)