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‘He battered me' – Ex-Everton hardman Duncan Ferguson reveals current England star beat him up in training fight
DUNCAN FERGUSON has revealed he was "battered" in a training fight by a current England player.
The former
striker
built a hardman image during his career and it is a reputation he is still known for.
3
Duncan Ferguson challenged one of his players to a boxing fight
Credit: Reuters
3
Anthony Gordon got the better of the ex-Everton boss
Credit: Getty
3
Ferguson handed Gordon his Everton debut while in interim charge
Credit: Getty
Ferguson has previously fought off intruders in his own home and picked up nine red cards, often for thuggery, but one
The Scot fought Anthony Gordon in a boxing match while the pair were at
Ferguson was a big admirer of the youngster and handed Gordon his Everton debut while interim manager, but he wanted to teach the winger a lesson to persuade him to quit sparring - one of his big hobbies.
But after donning the gloves to take on Gordon, Ferguson was taught a lesson of his own - not to challenge the quick and nimble winger.
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Ferguson revealed the incident in his book, Big Dunc: The Upfront Autobiography.
He said: "I made sure Gordon got his debut at Limassol, I then gave Anthony his second game against Leicester,' Ferguson wrote.
"I loved his appetite to improve, he wanted to learn and practice, practice, practice.
"He was as fit as a fiddle and took diet seriously but was still going to different boxing gyms and sparring. 'You have to stop,' I told Anthony, "You can't go to them, you'll get hurt".
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"He battered me once in the Finch Farm gym. I had a pair of boxing gloves on, he didn't. And I didn't do it again.
"Anthony's a bright lad, knows what he wants and is dedicated and
lightning
quick."
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