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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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.
Pictures from the former England international’s early career show the striking difference in his physique compared to his commitment to bodybuilding after hanging up his boots.
After joining United, he committed himself to his craft and saw improvements in the gym, which is evident in his progress.
Although Ferdinand’s pace from early in his career diminished as the years went by, his physical fitness helped him develop into a solid and trustworthy 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 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
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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.