MANCHESTER, Dec 1: Former England cricketer Andrew Flintoff began his new boxing career with a narrow points victory over Richard Dawson on Friday — despite being knocked down by his American opponent.

Flintoff, who has been trained by former Irish boxer Barry McGuigan, took the four-round heavyweight bout by a 39-38 margin.

He recovered his composure after being knocked down early in the second round by a left counter punch from Dawson, who was unable to follow up with a sustained assault.

Flintoff ended his 15-year cricket career in September 2010. His heavy frame made him a dominant pace bowler and a powerful shot-maker.

He had to lose more than 22kg to make his boxing debut.—AP