Andrew Flintoff to launch boxing career with fight in November

Andrew Flintoff celebrates with the Ashes Urn following England's victory over Australia in 2009. He retired from cricket in 2010. Credit: PA

Ex-England cricket captain Andrew Flintoff is aiming to become a big hitter in sport once more - as a heavyweight boxer.

The 34-year-old has been working with ring legend Barry McGuigan for the past month in a bid to prepare for his debut on November 30.

Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff, who famously led the England team to victory against Australia in the 2005 Ashes, retired from cricket two years ago.

The 6ft 4ins star said:

McGuigan - whose son Shane is training Flintoff - 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.

"The pressure for Freddie, myself and my son is phenomenal given the little time we have.

"But I'm convinced Freddie will make a successful pro debut as a boxer."

Shane McGuigan has also trained professional boxer Carl Frampton.

Flintoff's team said they would be seeking a professional licence for the fight, although the

British Board of Boxing Control said it had not yet received an application or interviewed him.

His preparations for the fight are to be documented in a special two-part programme - The Gloves Are Off... - to be aired on Sky 1, which will also screen a one-hour post-fight special.

The bout at Manchester Arena will also be shown on boxing channel BoxNation.

Tickets for the fight - against an as-yet unknown opponent - go on sale on Friday.