Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff is reportedly close to being granted a boxing licence after impressing the British Boxing Board of Control.
The 34-year-old, who has been under a rigorous fitness routine and is believed to have dropped two stones in weight, is said to have convinced the Board that he is serious about professional boxing.
It is understood that the Board will officially approve the request over the weekend and the former bowler could have his first bout in the ring before the end of the year, according to the Daily Mail.
Flintoff's interest in becoming a professional boxer was sparked during a sparring session with Barry McGuigan last year.