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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The former Manchester United defender is aiming to be granted his boxing license and compete for a belt, aided by Betfair.

With the 44-year-old likely to compete at cruiserweight, his raw power and strength will no doubt come in handy when he laces up the gloves.

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.

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

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

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

He regularly shares images and videos of intense workouts – often led by personal trainer Mel Deane – with his 2.4 million Instagram followers, posting numerous gruelling-looking sessions.

Many former players enjoy a more unhealthy lifestyle after years of stringent fitness and diet in the game but for Ferdinand, his love of the gym is also a chance to let off steam with huge therapeutic benefits.

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

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 

The ruthless world of boxing in which Ferdinand now finds himself will of course offer new requirements for his muscle-bound body to cope with.

He will be provided elite level training before entering the squared circle and may even have to remove some bulk for competition.

But a look through Ferdinand’s illustrious career shows he should have no issues adapting his physique.