Last week one of boxing’s modern greats, Manny Pacquiao showed his talents aren’t just restricted to sport, earning a promotion to the role of colonel in the Philippines army.
We looked back at five of the most contrasting career switches by sportspeople:
Tim Wiese turns to professional wrestling
After spending 18 years as a goalkeeper for various football teams, most notably Werder Bremen, Tim Wiese suddenly became extremely stocky as he prepared to enter the wrestling ring.
Just six years after being a part of the Germany squad at the 2010 World Cup Wiese was about to join the WWE performance centre.
The 35-year-old has always had a longstanding fondness of wrestling, featuring as a guest timekeeper at a WWE event in Frankfurt back in 2014.
Ray Wilson became a successful undertaker
Best remembered for his role in helping England win their first and only World Cup back in 1966, Ray Wilson decided he we would set up an undertaker’s business after football.
The left-back, who started out life as an apprentice railwayman soon caught the eye of Huddersfield Town whilst playing amateur football and went on to make 266 appearances for the Terriers.
Although he was never idolized in the same light as the likes of fellow World Cup-winning teammates Dennis Law, Bobby Charlton and Geoff Hurst, the Derbyshire player is often regarded as one of the best English left-backs.
Adam Hollioake swapped the crease for the octagon
Born in Melbourne, Adam Hollioake actually represented one of Australia’s bitter rivals in cricket, captaining England’s one-day team.
The all-rounder also enjoyed a prominent role in the domestic game, leading Surrey to three County Championships during his time with the club.
However when a property venture went horribly wrong he sought out cage fighting as a way to re-establish financial stability – Hollioake drew his one and only match against Joel Millar.
Bixente Lizarazu struck the fear of god into opponents during and after football
Proving a fierce opponent on the field during a hugely decorated career in football, winning World Cups and Champions League trophies amongst many other competitions, Bixente Lizarazu then became a ferocious competitor in Jiu Jitsu.
The French full-back, whose domestic career included major spells with the likes of Bordeaux and Bayern Munich, decided to spend life after football becoming a master of close combat.
Three years after hanging up his boots he was crowned the European champion in the Blue Belt Senior 1 Light Division.
Julian Dicks shows softer side by setting up kennels
Dubbed ‘The Terminator’ during his days as a footballer for a no-nonsense approach when it came to defending Julian Dicks actually made quite a left-field career switch when he decided to take care of other people’s dogs.
Showing an affectionate side must’ve have come as a shock to those who remember him as a footballer for West Ham United and Birmingham City, often finding himself in trouble with referees for overly robust tackling.
As well as a 17-year career on the field Dicks also spent a number of years in management, taking charge of West Ham United Ladies amongst a few other non-league teams.
