In a busy gym in east London, the world’s strongest footballer is showing why he’s known as ‘The Beast’.

Having bench pressed 120kg, 140kg and 175kg with minimal trouble, Northampton striker Adebayo  Akinfenwa is readying himself to press 180kg, almost double his body weight.

He slowly lowers the bar to his chest before pushing it back up. He pauses, lowers it again and attempts to push. The bar barely moves.

For a brief moment The Beast seems to have finally been defeated, but younger brother Dele, part training buddy, part coach, has the words to inspire him: ‘Come on, ain’t nobody in the Football League or Premier League stronger than you, push. PUSH!’

It works; Akinfenwa gets a second burst and lifts the bar skyward. He sits up and invites Sportsmail to try. The offer is kindly declined; he is, after all, lifting nearly treble my weight.

‘Man, if I got a good grip, I could probably throw you across the room and out the window,’ he laughs.
No need for a demonstration this time.

It’s an impressive display, and not without purpose. Akinfenwa, 30, is 16st, 5ft 10in and with 16 goals to his name in League Two this season.