Cricket gloves make way for ‘fighter’ Freddie

Having knocked down many an off stump during his time as England cricket captain, Andrew Flintoff hopes to do the same to opponents when he takes to the boxing ring later this year.

Having knocked down many an off stump during his time as England cricket captain, Andrew Flintoff hopes to do the same to opponents when he takes to the boxing ring later this year.

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Flintoff's preparations for his debut fight, scheduled for Nov. 30 at the Manchester Arena, are to be televised in a documentary 'The Gloves Are Off'.

The 6ft 4ins sportsman, who would box as a heavyweight, has yet to apply to the British Boxing Board of Control for a licence, but is being trained by former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan and the Irishman's son Shane.

“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 become a professional sportsman again,” Flintoff was quoted as saying by British media.

“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.”

He transcended sporting fame to become a national treasure by leading England to a famous Ashes victory in 2005 — their first test series win over Australia in almost two decades.