Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff is to make his debut as a heavyweight boxer on November 30 in Manchester.
Flintoff, 34, will be mentored by Barry McGuigan, the former world featherweight champion, having trained with McGuigan's son Shane for the last month. No opponent has been announced for Flintoff's debut, which will take place at the MEN Arena.
"This is an amazing opportunity to try a sport that I love, to be tutoured by a man I respect and admire and, at the age of 34, the chance to be a professional sportsman again," Flintoff said.
"It's a huge challenge - probably the biggest I have ever undertaken, especially in such a short time frame. I have a long road ahead and a lot of work in front of me. The stakes are high."
Flintoff is yet to apply for a licence to the British Boxing Board of Control - although he does intend to do so, lifting the bout above the status of a celebrity exhibition. A two-part television show documenting his preparations will air on Sky television.
The former allrounder played his last of 79 Tests for England in 2009, ending with a batting average of 31.77 and a bowling average of 32.78.
Andrew Flintoff to relaunch career as pro boxer | Boxing News | ESPN.co.uk
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