Rio Ferdinand faces a huge transformation from retired footballer to professional boxer but his hulking physique should give him a head start.

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With help from Betfair, the former Manchester United defender hopes to get his boxing license and fight for a title.The 44-year-old’s natural strength and power will definitely come in handy when he laces on the gloves, since he is expected to compete at cruiserweight.

As a young player Rio Ferdinand was lean and wiry but has changed a great deal physically

The 44-year-old take on a new challenge to compete for a belt in the boxing ring

But Ferdinand hasn’t always cut the physically dominant figure he is today. During his time with West Ham and Leeds he was a wiry, lean young centre back.

Images of the ex-England international’s formative years in the game illustrate the remarkable change in his body in contrast with his dedication to body-building since hanging up his boots.

His evolution is noticeable after joining United where he dedicated himself to his craft in addition to finding gains in the gym.

As the years wore on, Ferdinand could not rely on the speed he possessed earlier in his career but his muscular condition allowed him to become a strong and dependable presence at the back.

The former England international was known for his athleticism and speed early in his career

His physical condition has changed significantly since his early years in football

And ever the competitor, Ferdinand has kept pushing his body to even greater heights since calling time on his decorated career in 2015.

He frequently posts videos and pictures of his tough exercises, which are frequently guided by personal trainer Mel Deane, to his 2.4 million Instagram followers.

After years of rigorous exercise and nutrition regimens for the game, many former players enjoy an unhealthy lifestyle; yet, for Ferdinand, going to the gym is a great way to decompress and relieve stress.

Ferdinand’s ‘hell’ training regime can include doing handstand press-ups, sparring with his personal trainer Mel Deane and arm wrestling on all fours.

As well as doing high-intensity exercises, Ferdinand also does some heavy weight lifting with dumbbells and weighted bars.

During his time at United, Ferdinand added mass to his frame and became more imposing

The centre-back became a powerful player to complement his speed and athleticism

He previously told Men’s Health: ‘Without the gym, I don’t know where I would’ve had that release time.

‘That time just to think about nothing, or to think about something other than what was going on in my life.’

He added: ‘I’m simply happier when I’’m in the gym and working out, and I think everything else flows better when I’m doing that. It invigorates me and calms me at the same time.’

Rio Ferdinand often works out at home in his personalised gym and in his garden

Rio Ferdinand takes off his shirt to reveal his buff torso

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With the help of a personal trainer, Ferdinand has hit new heights in the weights room

Rio Ferdinand posted this picture to Instagram as he quipped he had the same number of abs as his famous shirt No5

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Rio Ferdinand regularly posts dieting tips on his Instagram page

Rio Ferdinand performs an arm lift at his home gym

Rio Ferdinand bicep curls two dumbbells at his home gym

It goes without saying that Ferdinand’s muscle-bound frame will have to adapt to the harsh demands of the boxing scene where he currently finds himself.

Before entering the squared circle, he will receive elite-level training, and he could even need to lose some weight in order to compete.

However, a look at Ferdinand’s great career demonstrates that he shouldn’t have any trouble changing his physique.