Adebayo Akinfenwa confidently challenges Rio Ferdinand to a boxing match: 'I'll put him to sleep'

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Adebayo Akinfenwa has challenged Rio Ferdinand to a boxing match once he has retired from football, with the Wycombe Wanderers striker confidently claiming that he'll 'put him to sleep'.

The 35-year-old League Two striker admires Ferdinand and reveals that he would like to follow in his footsteps once he's ready to hang up his boots.

The former Manchester United and England defender is currently being coached by ex-world champion Richie Woodhall and is in the process of getting his professional fighting license. 

Adebayo Akinfenwa is confident he can knock out Rio Ferdinand in a boxing match

'I have put on gloves a couple of times,' Akinfenwa told The Sun. 

'Rio's a legend and he's my guy. I applaud him. He's in wicked shape and that's the dedication. It's something I gravitate to.

'If he wants it, I can get in the ring with Rio, we can maybe make that fight happen later on when I'm retired — but I think I put him to sleep.'

Ferdinand (centre) is being coached by ex-world champion Richie Woodhall (right)

The former Manchester United defender is looking for his first fight as a professional

The heavyweight forward, nicknamed 'The Beast', has become a cult hero as his muscular physique and large frame have made him hard to miss.

Akinfenwa, who weighs 16 stone, is also rated as the strongest player in FIFA 18 while he is able to bench press 200kg.

The striker's Wycombe Wanderers side play Solihull Moors in the FA Cup first round on Sunday afternoon.