Martyn Ford has revealed the heartbreaking reason he couldn’t go through with his fight against the Iranian Hulk.
After a heated build-up, the pair had grasped the world’s attention with an army of fans excited to witness the action unfold at the O2 Arena on April 30. However, with less than a month to go before the collision, the Brit took to Instagram to explain that the organisers had cancelled the fight.
This left combat sports enthusiasts gutted. Following a fiery press conference, they wanted to witness the two giants settle their differences in the ring. But perhaps it’s a good thing that the contest never happened.
The two powerhouses met face-to-face during the media day, but it became clear very quickly that one had far superior physical attributes to the other.
As they squared off, Ford unleashed a mighty shove that sent Hulk tumbling towards the floor. The brave underdog rose to his feet and attempted a revenge attack. But his rival defended the takedown attempt and flung him aside with ease.
Although he towers above the average man, like most of us, The Iranian didn’t have the size to compete with the Brit. And understandably, it left him in a dark place.
Read: Martyn Ford shows off huge physique as he continues boxing training
Martyn Ford reveals why Iranian Hulk fight won’t happen
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, the strongman elaborated on why he didn’t want to get in the ring with his rival: “I have genuine concerns about his mental health and how he’s feeling. It is who I am. I can’t fight someone who I genuinely believe can take his own life after the fight.”
He continued: “As an outsider, people might say, ‘What are you on about?’, but from someone who was there, who saw him and the way he crumbled. We had a face-off, and it was one little push. I looked in his eyes and then turned around and said to the guys, ‘There is no fight’.
“What happened afterwards I already felt bad about, the amount he got bullied and his reaction to being bullied breaking down on national TV.
Read: Iranian Hulk broke down in tears discussing Martyn Ford face-off
“Then his parents came out and said, ‘We don’t want anything to do with you. You are weak’. Then on Instagram Live, when he turned around and said he hates Iranians and wants to end his life. I just thought, ‘No, I can’t be a part of this’.”
Featured Image Credit: Martyn Ford / Instagram