Bearing stuck on Axle - Honda ATV

[Chris4x4Gill2]

Not the C10 - but its giving me a headache and the ATV forums aren't much help so far so Im giving it a try here

I have a 2005 Honda 4wheeler. I need to replace the axle bearings on the rear. The bearings are located inside the brake backing plate and I can not get them to slide off of the axle.

I'm sure these are the factory bearings, they are completely shot from mud / water and it looks like the inner ID of the bearing is siezed to the axle.

Any suggestions on working this thing loose?

To make matters worse, the backing plate is cast Aluminum, can only beat on it so much without worry of breaking it.

Here is an exploded parts diagram of what I am working with - 24 is the backing plate and the bearings.