AFC Wimbledon's Adebayo Akinfenwa to bench press Pudsey Bear to raise funds for Children in Need

Pressing on: Adebayo Akinfenwa
(Ker Robertson/Getty Images)
Giuseppe Muro13 November 2015

AFC Wimbledon take on Portsmouth on Sunday looking to move into the League Two play-off places but Adebayo Akinfenwa faces an altogether different challenge before then.

The Dons striker, who is renowned for his strength and is nicknamed “The Beast”, is today attempting to bench press Pudsey Bear to raise money for Children In Need.

“I do not even know how much he weighs but he is a bear so he must weigh quite a bit,” said Akinfenwa.

“But I went to the gym yesterday so I am pumped and ready for him. I will be very disappointed with myself if I cannot bench press him. I have got a reputation to uphold.

“It is for a good cause. As footballers, we are in a blessed and privileged position so when we can help the less fortunate, it is more of an obligation.”

The challenge should be shown on the BBC’s annual Children In Need show tonight and Akinfenwa says Neal Ardley was happy for him to take part 48 before the Portsmouth game.

One Big Night for Children In Need 2015

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“The gaffer did say if we had a game Saturday then maybe he would have had a problem,” he said. “But because we play on Sunday, and it should not be that strenuous and it is for a good cause, he was fully behind it.”

Wimbledon are just a point outside the play-off places after three straight wins and, despite being knocked out of the FA Cup by non-League Forest Green Rovers last weekend, Akinfenwa believes they can challenge for promotion this season.

“As long as we keep injuries down then I really do not see why not,” he said.

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