Rio Ferdinand faces a huge transformation from retired footballer to professional boxer but his hulking physique should give him a head start.
The former Manchester United defender is aiming to be granted his boxing license and compete for a belt, aided by Betfair.
With the 38-year-old likely to compete at cruiserweight, his raw power and strength will no doubt come in handy when he laces up the gloves.
![Rio Ferdinand was lean and wiry as a young player](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/19/11/4478C04800000578-0-As-m-17_1505816512594.jpg)
![The ex-Manchester United man has really bulked up since hanging up his boots](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/19/11/4478C56900000578-0-image-m-19_1505816527751.jpg)
![The 38-year-old is taking on a new challenge to compete for a belt in the boxing ringu00a0](http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2017/09/19/11/4477E8CB00000578-0-image-m-20_1505816565521.jpg)
But Ferdinand hasn't always cut the physically dominant figure he is today.