Joe Cole swaps playing down in non league levels for a very surprising career change made known over on his social media accounts.
The 39 year old retired from being a professional footballer in 2018 after 20 years in the game, but then made the surprise move to Herts Senior County League outfit Belstone FC in April 2021.
After a few appearances, the England star has now been testing himself in what is a very different experience, which he’s said to be loving.
It’s amazing to have an England legend playing in our league.
Looking forward to seeing Joey cole have more appearances for @BelstoneFC … Unbelievable signing @thecoldend @NPMetcalfe @Scottyp1 @Ollie_Bayliss pic.twitter.com/vxCj5dnWC4
— HSCL (@hscfl) April 16, 2021
Joe Cole has recently made his boxing debut in what he described as “one of the biggest buzzes” since retiring from football.
He has recommended the sport as a way of boosting mental health and even been dubbed “Joe Colezaghe” by some social media users after his fight against Max Thraves in Essex.
Cole could be seen holding his own in a well fought contest which consisted of three two-minute rounds, with the ex-player described to have crouched, ducked, moved and measured punches like a man with far more ring experience in an entertaining bout of three two-minute rounds.
The 56-cap international avoided going from football playmaker to fighting haymaker as he showed fine technique rather than swinging his arm in the hope of contact.
As seen in a video, on three occasions he managed to land impressive blows to Thraves’ head back, via two fierce rights and an equally-emphatic left jab.
He then took to Instagram to post a message after the fight had taken place.
Cole said: “Absolutely loved having my first fight, it gave me one of the biggest buzz’s since retiring!
“Big thanks to @clubkobuckhursthill and my opponent Max Thraves – a great guy who managed to catch me with some lovely shots. The respect I had for fighters has gone up so many levels as it takes a special and dedicated man or women to step into the ring and compete.
“I don’t like to preach and each to their own, but during lockdown I needed a focus and something to challenge me to keep me on top of my mental health and this proved to be the perfect outlet for me.
“Loved the journey, the training and the banter at the gym so a massive thanks to Noel and the team there 💯
“It worked for me, so If anyone is struggling with mental health or just wants a challenge to work towards please give it a go, who knew having a fight can clear the mind 😂🙌🏼”
View this post on Instagram
JOE COLE’S FOOTBALL CAREER:
Youth career
1990–1998 – West Ham United
Senior career
1998–2003 – West Ham United – 126 games (10 goals)
2003–2010 – Chelsea – 182 games (28 goals)
2010–2013 – Liverpool – 26 games (3 goals)
2011–2012 → Lille (loan) – 32 games (4 goals)
2013–2014 – West Ham United – 31 games (5 goals)
2014–2016 – Aston Villa – 12 games (1 goal)
2015–2016 → Coventry City (loan) – 7 games (1 goal)
2016 – Coventry City – 15 games (1 goal)
2016–2018 – Tampa Bay Rowdies – 82 games (20 goals)
Total – 513 games (73 goals)
National team
1997–1998 – England U16 – 4 games (0 goals)
1999 – England U18 – 5 games (0 goals)
2000–2003 – England U21 – 8 games (2 goals)
2001–2010 – England – 56 games (10 goals)
Teams managed
2018 Tampa Bay Rowdies (assistant)
2019– Chelsea (academy coach)
SEE MORE: Joe Cole signs for non league club – leaving fans stunned
As mentioned, Joe Cole swaps non league for very surprising career change in boxing and it had plenty of people talking…
@denniskeene251: Seeing @GNev2 training with AJ and Joe Cole boxing aswell that’s deffo something @SkySports should put together get @Carra23 reffing it 😂
@michaels_hub: He’s every bloody where Joey cole Joey cole!
@_mxrrxw_: joey got hands tbf
@ZEST172: Joe Colezahge 👊🏼
jamie.ohara: Great standard mate 🙌 love that
23_carra: 🙌🙌
roryd76: Joe Cole vs Roy Keane. We have to make this happen mate. 🔥🥊🥊
the_mma_pocket: Go on my son!!!
wrighty_: Looking well mate
joleonlescott: Ok. Joe the bomber Cole 👏🏽👏🏽
_rosssssss_: Corrrr them power punches!!! You done him every round barley threw a punch go on coleyyyy 🔥🔥💙💙
theofficialac3: @therealjoecole brilliant that mate 😎
scottmintosky: Love that! Sugar Ray Cole 🥊
kookie78: Lovely jab. Great head movement…. And a wonderful farmers tan 😂 @therealjoecole
noubleniz_clack: Looked alright 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🔥
itsandyburton: Yes Joe love this mate 👏🏼
gbxxmx_: Yes bruva .. nearly sparked the geezer in the last… take the boy outta west-ham… can’t take west-ham out the boy ⚒
therealdanpalmer: Looked good in there!! @westham LEGEND!
dannywebber81: @therealjoecole Love it Son 🥊 🔥
adaram85: Top work! Lovely work with the jab!
matthewcole4892: Wow you absolutely lit him up 😂 well played mate 👏👏👏
When the hell did Joe Cole get into boxing? That poor lad got clapped 😳😭 pic.twitter.com/30RitzfPkc
— Kamalio⭐️⭐️ (@LumpOfCFC) July 26, 2021
— Chris⭐️⭐️ (@ChrisGagg) July 26, 2021
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