Flintoff to make sensational sporting comeback... as a professional boxer!
1e7tyh - Flintoff Returns...
As one of England's most feared and revered cricketers, he never once pulled a punch in the heat of battle.
And now Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff is to step back into the professional sporting arena as a heavyweight boxer.
The former England all-rounder, who retired from the game in 2009, will put his reputation on the line to train for a live professional boxing bout in front of tens of thousands of fans at the Manchester Arena.
Flintoff will be trained by boxing legend Barry McGuigan, who believes Freddie has what it takes to become a decent fighter - the right age, agility and a 'devastating' right punch.
Barry and his boxer son, Shane, face a four-month battle to persuade Freddie to give up the pie, mash and pints and embark on a gruelling training regime for the fight, against a credible pro opponent.
The Sky TV cameras will follow Freddie and his family as he takes on the intensive regime of sparring, skipping and steamed vegetables.
The three episode series, called 'The Gloves are off...' will be screened on Sky One later in the year, while the fight will be broadcast live on BoxNation.
Flintoff said of the challenge: 'This is an amazing opportunity to try a sport that I love, to be tutored by a man I respect and admire and, at the age of 34, the chance to be a professional sportsman again.
'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.'
Barry McGuigan added: 'It is an enormous undertaking to have a professional fight having no experience whatsoever. it is even more demanding when you're a legend in another sport.
'The pressure for Freddie, myself and my son is phenomenal given the little time we have. But I'm convinced Freddie will make a successful pro debut as a boxer.'