IRVHAMMASTE PIDUPÄEV! Briti vutilegend lõpetas oma poksikarjääri ilma ühtegi matši pidamata

Ilus unistus, aga eile teatas kuuekordne Inglismaa meister ning 2008. aastal Meistrite liiga tšempioniks tulnud Ferdinand, et plaanil on kriips peale. Briti poksinõukogu (British Boxing Board of Control) ei andnud Ferdinandile vajalikku litsentsi ning Rio teatas, et "riputan raske südamega poksikindad varna". 

 

Having been training 4-5 times a week since announcing the aim of achieving a professional boxing licence and stepping into the ring, it is with a heavy heart that I am hanging up my gloves on @betfair #DefendertoContender challenge. Despite having never felt better physically or mentally, 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, not only for me, but also to @richie_woodhall, @meldeane12 and the countless others who have dedicated their time to my boxing development over the past five months. Boxing is a physically tough, demanding and dangerous sport. I always gave it my utmost respect and never underestimated how difficult it would be. I wanted to show people that it’s OK to have a goal and strive to reach it. It’s important to approach everything with success in mind, and to give it your all, but sometimes things work against you. This sport has given me a new focus and drive and is something I will continue to do as part of my fitness regime. I’d like to say thank you to Betfair, Richie Woodhall, Duke McKenzie, my team at @neweraglobalsports, the guys at @teamgb Boxing and everyone who has supported me so far. It’s been a great journey.

A post shared by Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) on May 3, 2018 at 3:07am PDT

Säärane teadaanne on äratanud ellu paljude naljasoone. Ferdinandi võrreldatakse teiste suurte poksijatega, kes on samuti ilma ühegi kaotuseta poksikarjääri lõpetanud! Ainus vahe muidugi see, et Ferdinand päriselt ei jõudnudki ringi..

🥊 👊 Boxers that retired undefeated...

- Rocky Marciano

- Joe Calzaghe

- Andre Ward

- Floyd Mayweather Jr

- Rio Ferdinand pic.twitter.com/IrFnVDTRIY

— The Sportsman (@TheSportsman) May 3, 2018

List of fighters who recently retired undefeated:

1⃣ Floyd Mayweather
2⃣ Andre Ward
3⃣ Rio Ferdinand

— Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 3, 2018

Congratulations to Rio Ferdinand, who has announced a well deserved retirement from boxing after an undefeated professional career spanning nearly 7 months. Amazing.

— Stansaid Airport (@StansaidAirport) May 3, 2018

Can't believe @rioferdy5 has retired from boxing.. truly one of the greatest to ever not step in the ring.

— Zac Clayton (@ZCImpressions) May 3, 2018