Flintoff hits back at critics of boxing debut

Former England cricket hero Andrew Flintoff has found himself on the back foot even before he throws his first punch for money in the boxing ring on Friday night.

Freddie, as he is fondly known in Britain, is being filmed as part of a documentary series, which culminates in his professional boxing debut against American Richard Dawson.

For the past five months the 34-year-old Flintoff has been trained by former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan and his son, Shane.

He is gearing up for four two-minute rounds against Dawson, who has won both his previous fights.

But he has received criticism that he is not taking boxing seriously and that Friday's fight will be all about TV, not sport.

Meanwhile, British promoter Frank Maloney has hit out at boxing authorities over the decision to grant Flintoff a licence. Flintoff, who stands an imposing 1.93 metres tall, insists his new career as a heavyweight boxer is for real and he is not motivated by the intention to make a documentary series about it.

"I understand people are protective of the sport, but I'm going in the ring on Friday and that's what all my energy is going into," Flintoff said.