Ferdinand, who retired from playing football in 2015, has been training "four or five times" a week since September 2017 in his quest to return to high-level competitive sport.

Despite being trained by former world super-middleweight world champion Richie Woodhall, the British Boxing Board of Control have declined his application for a professional licence.

Ferdinand announced on his social media accounts: "After notifying the British Boxing Board of Control of my intention to apply for a licence, I have received confirmation that they would not be reviewing my application at this point in time.

"To say I'm disappointed by this decision is an understatement.

"To not be given the chance to demonstrate my ability to the BBBoC through the standard assessment afforded to others is hard to take, not only for me, but also to Richie, Mel and the countless others who have dedicated their time to my boxing development over the past six months."

The Daily Mail previously reported the move would be for a "television project rather than as a serious sporting endeavour" and would fit around his duties as a BT Sport and BBC football pundit.

However, despite Ferdinand, 39, training alongside the likes of Team GB's Commonwealth gold medalist Frazer Clarke, he will not be allowed to complete his "Defender To Contender" project by entering the ring.

After playing for United from 2002-14, Ferdinand moved to Queens Park Rangers for one season before announcing his retirement in 2015.