Pep Guardiola has been left stunned by Rayan Cherki and his boxing capabilities during a viral video.
Footage of the Manchester City star posted on social media from 2025 shows the 22-year-old going through his paces in the ring.
Rayan Cherki boxing.
@crosscountervilleurbanne Instagram/@UtdTopCee X
Footage from last year shows Cherki in the boxing ring
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Cherki most certainly packs a punch, as the winger is seen striking the trainer’s pads with full force.
So much so that it caught his boss Guardiola off guard and, perhaps, even scared him a little.
“Is there anything that’s surprised you about Rayan?” one reporter asked during his pre-Everton press conference.
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“Yeah, on Instagram right now, (Cherki is) boxing. That surprised me, I didn’t expect (it)!” Guardiola said.
“Have you watched it? No? Well, go (watch it), top! I will not discuss it with him, or he will play every game. Honestly, it’s scary!”
Cherki shines for City
French international Cherki became one of Europe’s most promising talents during his spell at Lyon.
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He scored 29 goals and assisted another 46 in 185 outings, prompting City to complete a £30.5million deal for his signature.
Cherki has been a big success ever since, having tallied 11 goals and 14 assists in his debut season.
Some of his highlights have come in recent weeks as City continue to fight for the Premier League title and FA Cup.
He assisted in the 4-0 thrashing of Liverpool in their cup quarter-final and aided two goals in their 3-0 league victory at Chelsea.
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
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Guardiola joked that he’s scared of Cherki after watching his punches
Cherki most noticeably scored a sensational solo goal in the 2-1 win at home to title rivals Arsenal last month.
His efforts have impressed talkSPORT football anchor Adrian Durham, who believes that he should be the PFA Player of the Year.
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City fight continues
Up next for City in their season run-in is a trip to Everton on Monday night, which will be live on talkSPORT.
They are six points behind Arsenal, who beat Fulham 3-0 on Saturday.
However, City have two games in hand, the first of which is against an Everton side who could still qualify for Europe.
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Three points are crucial to their title chances, but another challenge that they must face is goal difference.
Erling Haaland (9) of Manchester City celebrates with his team mates at the final whistle at the end of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal
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City are currently playing catch-up in the title race
Should Arsenal and City finish level on points at the end of the season, then goal difference will determine the league champions.
The former are currently on +41, whilst the latter have +37.
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City missed the opportunity to score multiple goals in their recent 1-0 win at Burnley, whose 71 goals conceded is the worst this season.
Should goal difference not be able to determine a champion, then it will go down to goals scored, with City on 66, one behind Arsenal.