By Victor Kanayo
After 20 years of his football career with several clubs, a Nigerian Adebayo Akinfenwa is set to make his professional wrestler debut just a year since retiring from the round leather game.
Having joined forces with British Anthony Ogogo, Akinfenwa who recently trained with WWE star Sheamus, will make his professional debut next week as he will accompany Ogogo to the ring for his fight with Mailk in Progress wrestling on October 23, 2022.
Following series of rigorous training sessions, workouts, the forward confessed that he is hurting with real injuries.
The 40-year old, known for his charismatic personality both on and off the field, spoke exclusively to preview the event, claiming he will always have Ogogo’s back and that the world of pro-wrestling is something he always thought about doing, even though he is unsure of where his debut may lead.
“I was always asked when I was coming to retirement what I was looking to do and the response was always new experiences.
“I was lucky enough to do the thing I love for 22 years but it was a profession. When you retire, it’s just freedom and experiences.
“It’s always been in the background because of my love for wrestling. I’ve known Anthony Ogogo for a while, years. We came across each other when he was a boxer and stayed in contact and the wrestling thing never went away.
“He unfortunately couldn’t box anymore and he found that love with wrestling and he hit me up and said: “Listen, you want to try a few bits?
“When you find something that you enjoy it makes it a little bit easier. But then the mindset is to try new things and if it lands, it lands. I enjoy it, I’ve enjoyed the workouts, I enjoy that it’s intense,” he said.
Ogogo turned to wrestling upon his retirement from boxing in 2019. He’s been a regular in All Elite Wrestling, one of the world’s major promotions, and in the independent scene.
He will face Malik at Progress Chapter 145 – Wrestling Witch Face – Trick or Treat at Camden’s Electric Ballroom.
Despite the entertainment side of things, the two have formed quite the personal rivalry in recent weeks, and Akinfenwa insisted he didn’t hesitate when he was called for back-up.
