Niat Rio Ferdinand Menjadi Petinju Profesional Ditolak

By Akbar Rosidianto - Kamis, 3 Mei 2018 | 19:35 WIB
Mantan bek tim Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand, berlatih tinju di ring. (instagram.com/rioferdy5)
 

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

"Tidak diberi kesempatan untuk menunjukkan kemampuan saya pada BBBoC melalui penilaian standar seperti yang lain merupakan keputusan yang sulit saya terima," ujar eks bek Manchester United ini.

Menurut Ferdinand, dia bukan satu-satunya orang yang kecewa. Juga orang lain yang senantiasa membantunya merasa kecewa.

Pasalnya, Ferdinand telah berlatih dengan keras di setiap pekan.

(Baca Juga : Setelah Sabet Gelar Juara Kelas Bantam-Super WBO, Petinju Ghana Ini Siap Lakukan Unifikasi Gelar)

Meski telah berusia 39 tahun, pria ini sanggup menjalani latihan 4-5 kali setiap pekan.

Pada akhirnya, dengan berat hati Ferdinand memutuskan untuk menggantungkan sarung tinjunya.

Walaupun gagal masuk dunia tinju profesional, melalui Instagram miliknya Ferdinand tetap berterimakasih pada tim yang telah membantunya berlatih selama ini.