In the Tone of Matthew McConaughey: Article Summary
When footballers retire, they often explore different career paths. Some become coaches, others invest in property, and then there are those who choose to enter the world of combat sports. Here, we take a look at five footballers who have traded in their shin pads for mouth guards.
Rio Ferdinand's Failed Boxing Career
Rio Ferdinand, the legendary England defender, had dreams of becoming a professional boxer. In 2017, he was sponsored by a betting company to step into the ring. However, the British Boxing Board of Control denied him a license, putting an end to his boxing ambitions. Ferdinand expressed his disappointment and decided to retire from boxing. In 2020, there were talks of a potential fight between Ferdinand and Wayne Rooney, but nothing materialized.
Katie Taylor: The Footballer Turned Boxing Sensation
Katie Taylor, widely regarded as one of the best female boxers in the world, had a promising football career before dedicating herself to boxing. She represented the Republic of Ireland and played for Peamount United. However, Taylor chose to focus on boxing and has since achieved great success in the ring. Former teammate Marie Curtin believes Taylor would have excelled in football as well, praising her strong mindset.
Wayne Bridge's Charity Boxing Match
Former Chelsea left-back Wayne Bridge surprised many when he participated in a boxing match for Sport Relief. Facing off against Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews, Bridge showcased his aggressive side and emerged victorious on points. This one-off charity fight marked the end of his boxing career, and Bridge has since embraced his role as a "stay-at-home dad" to his two children.
Marcin Wasilewski: From Footballer to Cage Fighter
After retiring from football in 2020, former Leicester defender Marcin Wasilewski set his sights on a new challenge - cage fighting. The 43-year-old Pole has been training for his transition into the fighting world, and a potential bout with ex-Bolton and Hearts defender Blazej Augustyn was in the works. However, Wasilewski is yet to step into the cage and make his official fighting debut.
These footballers-turned-fighters prove that there is life beyond the football pitch. Whether it's boxing, cage fighting, or other combat sports, these athletes have found new ways to challenge themselves and pursue their passions.
