Betfair Boxing Rio Ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand partners with online bookmaker Betfair to take on professional boxing

September 19, 2017

Online bookmaker Betfair has announced a partnership with Rio Ferdinand aimed at helping the former Manchester United and England defender to launch a professional boxing career.

Stephen Mault, Brand Director UK & Ireland – ‎Betfair, said: “Betfair is dedicated to supporting Rio Ferdinand throughout this ground-breaking sporting transformation.

“Rio stood out as the perfect personality to undertake this challenge, as he knows all about the hard work and dedication it takes to succeed. With Rio’s sporting pedigree, our support network, and a lot of hard work, we’re all confident that Rio can compete for a belt.”

As part of the ‘Defender to Contender’ campaign, Betfair is assembling a team of world-class boxing and conditioning experts to support Ferdinand as he attempts to qualify for his British Boxing Board of Control (BBBOC) licence and potentially compete for a title belt.

Ferdinand said of his new challenge: “When Betfair approached me about the Defender to Contender challenge, the chance to prove myself in a new sport was a real draw.

“Boxing is an amazing sport for the mind and the body. I have always had a passion for it and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to show people what’s possible.”

Betfair is also planning to introduce a number of former and current boxers to Ferdinand at key points of the campaign to help him prepare for specific fights and hone specific skills.

Betfair Boxing Rio Ferdinand