LONDON: Rio Ferdinand has officially traded in his football boots for a pair of boxing gloves and has been told to expect a tough challenge as he tries to make a name for himself as a boxer rather than a footballer.
Now aged 38, it has been over two years since the former Manchester United and England star trained professionally. So training with former WBC super-middleweight champion and Olympic bronze-medalist turned GB trainer Richie Woodall could come as a shock.
Arab News spoke to Sean Laverick, a man who has overseen Anthony Joshua sparring sessions, who claimed Ferdinand is in for a shock.
“I think he will struggle, he hasn't, as far as I'm aware, he hasn't been preparing that long from it,” the boxing coach said.
“A person that has had a good amateur background will definitely come in over the top of Rio.
“It's very easy to hit a punch bag and do sparring and think I'm ok but once you actually step in that box, you can prepare as much as you can but that's where the difference is.”
Ferdinand, it seems, is in no doubt as to the size of the task he is taking on.
“I have always had a passion for it and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to show people what’s possible,” Ferdinand said.
“It’s a challenge I’m not taking lightly — clearly not everyone can become a professional boxer — but with the team of experts (I’ve got behind me) are putting together and the drive I have to succeed, anything is possible.”
The tale of a sports star deciding to try his or her luck in another discipline is far from rare. In fact such are the big egos that many sporting heroes carry around with them, in addition to their talent, it is, in some ways, surprising that there have not been more dual-sporting stars.
Here Arab News looks at five other athletes who have risked their big reputations in a bid to prove they are super at more than one sport.
MICHAEL JORDAN
Think of “MJ” and you doubtless think of basketball. The greatest ever player, and perfectionist, somewhat blotted his copybook, however, when he decided dominating the court for the Chicago Bulls was not enough. Aged 31 ‘His Airness’ quit basketball to try his luck in baseball. While success came easy on the basketball court it was harder to find on the baseball diamond. Playing for the Birmingham Barons, a minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, Jordan struggled. His average batting performances were combined with leading the Southern League with 11 errors in the outfield. It was no surprise when, after just a year, Jordan announced that he was leaving baseball behind in a two-word press release: “I’m back!”
DEION SANDERS
Deion “Prime Time” Sanders was known as having a big ego, and clearly decided to live his sporting life by the mantra “why be good at one sport when you can be good at two.” The super talent played American football for a host of top teams, the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Redskins, among them, and in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. As if being able to play in the top divisions of the US’s main pastimes was not enough, Sanders was also good enough to be one of the best players in both sports. He won the Super Bowl with the 49ers and Cowboys, and played in a World Series with the Atlanta Braves. He also he hit a major league home run and scored a touchdown in the NFL in the same week, the only player ever to do so.
ANDREW FLINTOFF
Andrew Flintoff was one of the best cricket all-rounders of his generation, and even was considered to be the greatest English all-rounder since Sir Ian Botham. Following retirement in 2010, the larger-than-life character refused to shy away from the limelight, moving from the cricket pavilion to the boxing ring. Flintoff did not have such a bad experience, as he jabbed his way to a one-from-one winning record in his one-off professional boxing fight in 2012. After the harsh criticism from fans and critics alike Flintoff quit while he was ahead explaining: “I’m not pretending to be something I'm not.”
CONOR MCGREGOR
To put yourself in the spotlight in two sports you need to have confidence, and it is fair to say the Irish MMA star did not lack in that regard. As quick with one-line insults as he is with bone-crunching kicks McGregor last month took on possibly the greatest boxer of all time, Floyd Mayweather. The jury is still split over whether he made a good fist of it. Defeated via technical knockout in the 10th round, there are some who were pleasantly surprised by McGregor’s performance, while others thought the match-up was a farce. We doubt he minded though, for his efforts he got a hefty pay check of at least $30 million.
SONNY BILL WILLIAMS
There are those who are good at two sports and then there is Sonny Bill Williams, who decided to show-off in three. By the time he was 19 the classy Kiwi was already playing rugby league, becoming the youngest player to ever win an NRL title and and play for New Zealand. His switch to rugby union in 2008 added yet more titles and trophies to his ever-growing cabinet, winning the World Cup with the All Blacks in 2011 and 2015. As if he had not had enough world-class sporting action Williams tested his masterclass in the boxing ring, winning all six professional bouts. Not only that but he took up rugby sevens so he could take part in the Rio Olympics. Not a bad sporting CV…
Ferdinand set for a tough challenge in the boxing ring
Ferdinand set for a tough challenge in the boxing ring
High-flying Afghanistan announce Champions Trophy squad
- Afghanistan finished sixth in the 50-over World Cup in 2023 and reached the semifinal in last year’s Twenty20 World Cup
- This will be the first time Afghanistan participate in the eight-nation Champions Trophy, starting in Pakistan on Feb. 19
KABUL: Afghanistan announced their squad Sunday for next month’s Champions Trophy, with prolific opener Ibrahim Zadran returning after an injury lay-off but spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman missing out.
The country’s performance in white-ball cricket has been strong recently — finishing sixth in the 50-over World Cup in 2023 and reaching the semifinal in last year’s Twenty20 World Cup.
This will be the first time Afghanistan participate in the eight-nation Champions Trophy, staged between February 19 and March 9 in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
“Zadran, who was away from action due to an ankle injury, has returned to the squad,” said a statement from the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB).
“However, Mujeeb Ur Rahman misses out on the selection, as AM Ghazanfar, a similar mystery spinner, has made the cut for the mega event.”
Rahman was left out because “he has been advised by his doctor to focus on T20s for a while to ensure his full recovery,” added acting ACB chief selector Ahmad Suliman Khil.
But fast-rising opener Sediqullah Atal did secure a place in the squad, the ACB said.
Afghanistan beat England and Pakistan in the ODI World Cup and Australia and New Zealand in the T20 World Cup.
Their Champions Trophy campaign begins with a clash against South Africa in Karachi on February 21, before they face England and Australia in Lahore.
Squad: Hashmatullah Shahidi (capt), Rahmat Shah (vice-capt), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ikram Alikhil (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan, AM Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazal Haq Farooqi, Naveed Zadran and Farid Ahmad Malik.
‘It feels like a dream’: Hady Habib becomes first Lebanese in Open Era to win Grand Slam singles main draw match
- The 26-year-old upsets Bu of China to reach Australian Open second round
DUBAI: Hady Habib admitted his historic run at the Australian Open feels like a dream from which he would rather not wake as he stormed into the second round on Sunday in front of a roaring Lebanese crowd.
Making his major debut this fortnight in Melbourne, Habib became the first Lebanese player in Open Era history to qualify for a singles main draw when he came through a tight three-setter, saving match points en route, to defeat France’s Clement Chidekh last Thursday.
Three days later, Habib further etched his name in the history books by upsetting China’s Bu Yunchaokete — who is ranked more than 150 places higher than Habib — 7-6 (4), 6-4, 7-6 (6) to reach the Australian Open second round and become the first Lebanese to win a Grand Slam main draw singles match in the Open Era.
One of the biggest goals Habib had set for himself entering 2025 was to qualify for the main draw of a Grand Slam event. He managed to check that target from his bucket list, and even surpass it, less than two weeks into the new tennis season.
“It’s absolutely incredible,” the Texas-born Lebanese told Arab News after his first-round triumph.
“I achieved my first goal, which was to qualify, and now I’m in the second round. It just feels like I need to wake up from a dream. Everything’s been happening so fast. And then I’m in Round 2 of the Aussie Open, and I just can’t believe it right now, I’m lost for words.”
Habib had cousins fly over from Sydney to attend his matches in Melbourne, and the stands on Court 13 on Sunday were packed with his supporters, given the large Lebanese diaspora in Australia.
“I'm so grateful for their support. I think the Lebanese community, I sort of brought everyone together, and it was really special to win in front of them. Every time I’m playing, there’s a larger and larger crowd. So yeah, it’s just been amazing,” the 26-year-old said.
The support Habib has received has not come just from the stands. With five Arab players competing in women’s singles, men’s singles and men’s doubles at the Australian Open this fortnight, support is also coming from the locker room.
Tunisian Ons Jabeur and Egyptian Mayar Sherif are representing the region on the women’s side in singles, while Tunisians Aziz Dougaz and Skander Mansouri are competing in singles and doubles, respectively.
“When I won my last match, since it was a very close one, all the players were watching in the locker room. And I walked by Ons, and she congratulated me, and I was extremely happy just to see a fellow Arab player acknowledging my win, it just means the world,” Habib said.
“Especially what she’s done for Tunisian tennis, and the Arab world in general, it’s amazing to get congratulations from her. And also seeing Aziz do well. I think he’s playing tomorrow (against Yoshihito Nishioka). I really hope he gets the win as well.
“It’s good for Arab tennis and Arab sports in general. And I hope they can do great things this week.”
Habib has produced a series of clutch performances in the past three months, clinching a maiden Challenger title, a Grand Slam debut, a first Grand Slam victory, and a new career-high ranking of at least 163 in the world.
In his final round of Australian Open qualifying against Chidekh, he saved three match points to force a decider in the third set before he secured the win and a place in the main draw.
“I think winning matches only gives you confidence, and I know when it comes to clutch moments that I’ve put in the work,” he said.
“I would like to say that I’m an extremely hard worker, and I try to do the right things every day. So when it comes to clutch moments, I just trust in myself, and the training that I’ve put in and the preparation. That’s what gives me the trust to play like that on these important points.”
Up next for Habib in Melbourne is French world No.14 Ugo Humbert.
“I actually played him once before in a Challenger in 2022. I lost in straight sets. But let’s see,” Habib said of the French lefty.
“I think he is at his best ranking right now. I want to go out there and do what I've been doing the last couple matches, just play my game and just do my best.”
Arabs at the 2025 Australian Open
Monday
First round: Aziz Dougaz v Yoshihito Nishioka
Tuesday
First round: Ons Jabeur v Anhelina Kalinina, Mayar Sherif v Dayana Yastremska
Wednesday
Second round: Hady Habib v Ugo Humbert
TBD
Doubles first round: Skander Mansouri/Ivan Dodig v Blake Ellis/Thomas Fancutt
Pakistan to finish Gaddafi Stadium renovation this month for upcoming Champions Trophy
- The Champions Trophy tournament is set to begin on Feb. 19 in Karachi with Pakistan taking on New Zealand
- The stadium will feature over 34,000 seats, brand-new scoreboards and laser light shows during night games
ISLAMABAD: The renovation of Gaddafi Stadium in Pakistan’s eastern Lahore city will be completed this week, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said on Sunday, with all major structural work finished and final touches being applied ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
The PCB has been renovating stadiums in Lahore and Karachi for the 2025 Champions Trophy scheduled to take place in Feb. across three venues: Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi. This will be the first ICC tournament held in Pakistan since the 1996 World Cup.
Pakistani fans have long expressed dissatisfaction with the country’s stadiums, particularly the National Bank Stadium in Karachi, citing a lack of basic facilities and a subpar viewing experience for spectators.
On Sunday, the PCB chairman paid a visit to Gaddafi Stadium and inspected the upgradation, renovation and finishing work on the ground, expressing his satisfaction over the pace of work at the iconic venue.
“Gaddafi Stadium, with all its modern facilities, will be ready this month. The work is being carried out at a swift pace,” he said.
“We are set to install brand new and comfortable seats for the fans, with an enhanced view, and work on new LED lights on the light towers is well underway.”
The stadium is set to transform into a world-class facility, featuring over 34,000 seats, brand-new scoreboards on both sides and state-of-the-art floodlights, ensuring exceptional visibility for both players and spectators after sunset.
“The fans will now be able to enjoy laser light shows during night games as well,” Naqvi said. “We are striving to make the ICC Champions Trophy a memorable event in Pakistan.”
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will take place from February 19 till March 9, with matches hosted across Pakistan and Dubai in a hybrid model.
The tournament’s structure follows a compromised decision after India refused to play in Pakistan, citing “security concerns.” Exercising its rights as the host nation, Pakistan designated Dubai as the neutral venue for India’s matches, ensuring all teams’ participation.
In Pakistan, Karachi, Lahore and Rawalpindi will host three group-stage games each. Lahore is also set to host the second semifinal. Dubai will host all three of India’s group matches and the first semifinal, should India qualify.
The tournament opener on Feb. 19 will feature Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi, while India will face Bangladesh in Dubai on Feb. 20.
This will be the ninth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, after an eight-year hiatus. The last tournament took place in England in 2017. The event will feature top eight teams in world cricket competing for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
Saudi Polo Federation names six participants for Desert Polo Championship in AlUla
- The teams are AlUla, Richard Mille, Dadan, Budget, Bentley, and Ikmah
- Pierro Dillier, president of the International Polo Federation, will attend the event
RIYADH: The Saudi Polo Federation on Saturday announced the six teams to participate in the 2025 Richard Mille Desert Polo Championship, which will take place on Jan. 17-18 in AlUla.
The teams are AlUla, Richard Mille, Dadan, Budget, Bentley, and Ikmah. They will compete in the fourth edition of the championship, which is being organized in coordination with the Royal Commission for AlUla.
A media statement said Pierro Dillier, president of the International Polo Federation, will attend the competition.
The matches will be held at the Village of Knights, featuring top international players, led by Adolfo Cambiaso, widely regarded as the greatest player in the history of polo.
Saudi rider Prince Sultan bin Khaled Al-Faisal, alongside Prince Abbas bin Ali and Prince Hamza bin Abbas from Jordan will participate in the tournament.
The contenders will be divided into two groups; AlUla, Dadan and Ikmah in Group 1, while Group 2 comprises Bentley, Budget and Richard Mille.
Chairman of the Saudi Polo Federation, Amr Zidan, confirmed the readiness of the Village of Knights to host the event, promising strong competition and highlighting the continued development and growing popularity of the sport in Saudi Arabia.
“This fourth edition of the championship has witnessed significant improvements, alongside accompanying events and entertainment activities for spectators,” Zidan said.
EA Team of the Year celebrates top football players
RIYADH: To celebrate the best football players of the year, EA Sports has launched Team of the Year, allowing fans to create and vote for their dream team.
Saudi Arabia’s football talent is Salem Al-Dawsari, midfielder for Al-Hilal, who has earned his place as one of TOTY’s nominees, showcasing the region’s growing impact in the world of football.
Portuguese soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, who is currently playing for Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, has also been nominated for TOTY.
Following the Italian and Spanish Super Cup matches, which were held in Riyadh and Jeddah, this year’s TOTY card lineup includes players from Italian teams AC Milan, Inter Milan, Atalanta, and Juventus, and Spanish teams Real Madrid and FC Barcelona.
TOTY has cards for each position — goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and attackers — allowing fans to create the ultimate fantasy men’s or women’s football team.
The EA FC 25 TOTY vote will be closed on Jan. 12, 2025.
For more information on Team of the Year, visit www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-25/toty
