Tony Bellew has become the first fighter to attack Rio Ferdinand's attempts at making it as a professional boxer.

The former WBC cruiserweight champion said in an interview with Betsafe that Rio Ferdinand is "making a mockery" of boxing by attempting to make it as a professional in the sport at the age of 38-years-old:

"He’s making a mockery of our sport. This sport is not a game, it’s a serious sport and can be very dangerous.  This is attention seeking of the highest order. I understand that he might have frustrations that he wants to get out. But I believe he could do that in the gym, why does he need to go in a boxing ring?

He’s a healthy man with a beautiful family and I have huge respect for him after watching the documentary on his family. But this stinks of desperation and not being able to let go out of the spotlight."

It's happening... Can’t wait to get started with the team @betfair have put together, Richie Woodhall and @meldeane12 #DefenderToContender ?

A post shared by Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) on Sep 18, 2017 at 11:50pm PDT

The legendary ex-Manchester United and England centre back has teamed up with Betfair for a project titled 'Defender to Contender', which aims to turn Rio into a boxer who can one day fight for titles.

Boxers including Anthony Joshua and Chris Eubank Jr have offered to train with Ferdinand as he steps his training up – Bellew won't be quite as generous.