Flintoff to try his hand at boxing

Former cricketer Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff is set to embark on sensational career as a boxer.

The 34-year-old Lancastrian is currently being trained by former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan and will make his ring debut at the MEN Arena in Manchester on November 30.

Flintoff has always been a huge boxing fan and intends to test the fistic waters as a heavyweight.

"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," he 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 so the stakes are high.

"I used to do a bit of boxing training when I played cricket and when I interview Barry for a programme a while back I had a go on the pads with him.

"We got chatting and the next time I saw him he asked if I'd organised a fight yet so it's all spiralled from there."

"Training with Barry is the hardest thing I've ever done.

"I'm sparring three times a week and I'm speaking like I've got a cold because my nose is a bit swollen.

His journey will be filmed for a special two-part documentary to be aired on Sky 1 prior to the big night.

McGuigan said: "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."

McGuigan's son Shane will work as Flintoff's strength and condition coach.

An opponent for the big fight has not yet been confirmed.