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RIO Ferdinand has been challenged to a boxing match by a 16-stone footballer known as The Beast.

England and Man Utd hero Rio, 38, is being coached by ex-world champ Richie Woodhall as he tries to get his professional fighting licence.

 Rio Ferdinand is currently being coached by ex-world champ Richie Woodhall
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Rio Ferdinand is currently being coached by ex-world champ Richie WoodhallCredit: Getty Images - Getty
 Adebayo Akinfenwa has revealed ambitions to follow in Rio’s footsteps and go into boxing after football
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Adebayo Akinfenwa has revealed ambitions to follow in Rio’s footsteps and go into boxing after footballCredit: Rex Features

Now Wycombe Wanderers’ heavyweight cult hero Adebayo Akinfenwa has revealed his ambitions to follow in Rio’s footsteps when he retires from the game.

Adebayo, 35, said: “I have put on gloves a couple of times.

“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.

 Adebayo admits to having put his boxing gloves on a couple of times
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Adebayo admits to having put his boxing gloves on a couple of timesCredit: realakinfenwa/instagram
 Rio is currently training to get his professional fighting licence
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Rio is currently training to get his professional fighting licenceCredit: rioferdy5/instagram
 Speaking about Rio, Akinfenwa describes him as a 'legend'
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Speaking about Rio, Akinfenwa describes him as a 'legend'Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
 It's believed Ferdinand wants to get into the boxing ring as quickly as possible
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It's believed Ferdinand wants to get into the boxing ring as quickly as possibleCredit: rioferdy5/instagram
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