Andrew Flintoff Wins His First Professional Fight

HE BOWLED 'EM OVER ... Freddie salutes Manchester crowd

ANDREW FLINTOFF took on the biggest Test of his life last night — and came out smelling of roses.

The former England cricket skipper risked utter ridicule by attempting to forge a career as a boxer.

But after a courageous points win over American Richard Dawson, Freddie proved this was anything but a joke.

A world title charge remains total fantasy.

But at least Flintoff looks to have filled the void left by quitting cricket — for now.



FREDDIE FOR ANYTHING ... hero Flintoff sinks Dawson

The last time he appeared on the national sporting stage was in 2009 after helping England regain the Ashes at The Oval.

It was a glorious summer’s day as the Aussies were crushed.

Last night he was back — but it just wasn’t cricket.

And Freddie admitted: “You mention the Ashes which were amazing but as a personal achievement this is better. 

Former cricketer is celebrating after silencing his critics with a win in his first professional boxing fight

“It’s something not natural to me. I have had to work so hard. The feeling of being back in there in front of a crowd and winning — I can’t describe it. But I have got no aspirations, don’t worry about that.”

Yes Dawson, with two pro wins to his name, was hardly a world-beater.





RIGHT ON ... Flintoff connects with a jab

But plenty of boxing purists simply could not believe Flintoff was giving the hurt game a go.

You can argue all night long about the rights and wrongs.

But one thing is for sure – the former England skipper showed huge cojones to step into the ring last night.

Coached by Barry McGuigan and son Shane, the big all-rounder looked in great nick and ready for battle.

McGuigan, at ringside in Manchester, was loving it and said: “He forgot everything I taught him in the excitement of it all but he got the job done.”





STUMPED ... Flintoff hits the canvas

Dawson weighed in at over 17st — two-odd stone heavier than Freddie, who entered the arena wearing a Lancashire 20/20 shirt.

But at the start of the second a sweet left hook brought Freddie to his knees.

He was given an eight count but the 34-year-old responded strongly, trying to counter with his limited boxing skills.

The fourth and final round was his best and when the bell went, Flintoff lapped up the cheers. And when the scorers gave him the win by one point, the MEN Arena went bonkers.

This will go down as one of the weirdest, most surreal sporting sights of 2012.

But Flintoff proved last night what we have always known — the lad from Preston loves a battle and always gives his all.





ALL WHITE ON THE NIGHT ... Freddie in famous cricket pose.