io Ferdinand is preparing to propose to Kate Wright, according to his friends.
The former soccer player - who has just announced plans to take up professional boxing - is reportedly considering proposing to the ex-\'The Only Way Is Essex\' star, who recently walked away from the showbiz industry to help Rio with the raising of his three children, Lorenz, 11, Tate, nine, and Tia, six.
A source said: "Rio is all about the ring right now. His ambition is to win a belt in boxing.
"But we reckon he\'s after another ring long term - an engagement ring for Kate."
The blonde beauty has made sacrifices for the benefit of their relationship and a source close to the sports star said the time has come for Rio to make a similar commitment.
Speaking to the Daily Star newspaper, the insider explained: "She\'s given up everything for him - now it\'s time for him to commit to her."
Kate quit \'The Only Way Is Essex\' earlier this year amid rumours that she\'d started dating Rio.
And she recently announced plans to step back from the public eye altogether to focus her attention on her burgeoning romance with Rio, 38.
She said: "I\'m taking a step back from the public eye, I want to keep my life private as I lived my previous relationship on \'TOWIE\', my priority right now is Rio and the family."
Despite quitting her TV job, Kate has continued to attract interest from members of the public.
A friend previously said: "Kate left\' TOWIE\' because she wanted to be away from the limelight.
"But interest continued to be sky high and she struggled to visit the gym and go on holiday in peace."
For Rio, his relationship with Kate is his first romance since the death of his wife Rebecca, who passed away in 2015 following a cancer battle.
