Former footballer Leon McKenzie says he understands Rio Ferdinand's foray into the world of boxing, but questions how realistic is is to challenge for a professional belt.

Speaking on TalkSPORT earlier today, the former Crystal Palace and Norwich front-man, who enjoyed a spell in boxing after hanging up his boots, says that he hopes the former-England defender "respects the sport".

Speaking of Ferdinand's new venture, McKenzie said: "I am a little bit shocked, but there are probably so many reasons behind why he is going through this transition in his life.

“He has played football like me, and I turned professional in boxing at 35, but it is a little bit different in that he hasn’t got that background in fighting.

“I think it is a big ask, but I do understand the psychological element with the losses he has had in his life. He is very fit, but to go into a boxing ring is a different kind of fitness altogether, especially at 38.

“I wish him all the best and I would never take anything away from a man trying to aim for something higher, but I can only put it down to what he is going through to cope with the tragedies in his life.

“I have been fighting all my life from the age of seven. I spent 18 years on the professional football field, but I always knew how to fight.

“I am not sure how he will do, but I hope he respects the sport; if he doesn’t, he soon will.”

Becoming a professional boxer is arguably the toughest sporting venture due to the intense all-round physical training required to be a success, and McKenzie hopes that Ferdinand takes the time to understand the demands of sport before getting carried away.

He said: "To try to fight for a professional belt, I don’t think he realises the actual journey it takes. I really hope he understands the whole procedures of boxing and the journey of getting into the professional boxing ring – it is a tough industry.

“To be talking about belts, I just feel that is great and I love your ambition, but just step through the ropes first and learn about the industry and have a few fights to see where you are.

“To be talking about belts at this moment in time, it is a big ask.”

As for himself, McKenzie said he is happy to be outside of the ring now, having recently retired from the sport.

“I am 39 and just recently retired,” he said.

“My body let me know that I have had enough, but I am happy to be on the other side of the ropes now.”