Rio Ferdinand is expected to announce on Tuesday morning that he intends to become a boxer and will be seeking a boxing license.

The former Manchester United and England defender is to make the shock announcement at 8am, with a press conference to follow just after midday confirming his intentions.

Ferdinand is friends with world champion heavyweight and super-heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua, and close associates of the ex-footballer say he has been spending increasing amounts of time in the gym since the devastating death of his wife, Rebecca Ellison, two years ago.

38-year-old Rio leans heavily on personal trainer Mel Deane to keep him in pristine shape since retiring from football, but won’t be the first ex-player to head into the ring.

Curtis Woodhouse, formerly of Sheffield United, also took up boxing after leaving football.