Martyn Ford has sent a clear warning to the Iranian Hulk as the super-fight between the two rivals edges ever closer.
Ford, who stands at a monstrous 6ft 8in, will take on bodybuilder Iranian Hulk – real name Sajad Gharibi – in a bout that some fans are already viewing as somewhat of a mismatch.
The two foes took part in a face-off in Dubai earlier this month. The size difference was there for all to see as the Brit towered over his rival.
Footage shows Iranian Hulk trying to grab his opponent. Instead, he receives an almighty shove that would have sent most other individuals flying towards the canvas. As an accomplished bodybuilder, Gharibi managed to stay on his feet – but barely. Regardless, fans can’t see past a resounding Ford victory when they face off for real on April 30.
Read: The face-off between Martyn Ford and Iranian Hulk has fans worried for one fighter
How is Iranian Hulk preparing for the fight?
Despite the obvious disadvantage in height – and the fact that Iranian Hulk has admitted he has never boxed before – the bodybuilder still carries confidence going into the fight.
He said in a press conference: “I have been training vigorously for this day. I have brought down my weight and put everything on the line to make this happen.
“Know this – I am putting everything behind me. I will do whatever it takes to make this fight.”
Gharibi has been putting the work in. He claims he has lost 30lb at this stage, whilst he has posted several intense-looking workout videos to YouTube.
But fans have claimed that photos showing off his physique have been Photoshopped.
Read: Iranian Hulk shows off physical transformation ahead of Martyn Ford fight
They allege he has edited his photos to make himself look more powerful. Iranian Hulk disputed these claims in an Instagram post. However, the jury remains out on whether he can come close to matching the power of Ford on fight night – and his future opponent has sent him a clear message.
Ford warns Iranian Hulk ahead of super-fight
Speaking in a press conference, Ford questioned (quotes via Daily Mirror): “I am asking the question if he genuinely wants to fight me? Because I don’t want to step in the ring and be perceived as a bully, and seen as intimidating someone who hasn’t put the same work in as I have.
“If he really wants to do this fight, tell everyone he wants to do this fight and don’t put it on me.
“There is a lot of passion, but at the end of the day, your face goes in there, face-to-face, and it is fight or flight. So, for me, that was a case of, ‘Do you want to be here as well?’. For me, that answer is no.
“If he agrees to step in and do it, he needs to be ready. One hundred per cent, I will bring everything to the table, but I expect if he is serious about fighting, then he gets his a*** into gear because I don’t want to disappoint people at the event.”
Martyn Ford v Iranian Hulk is scheduled to take place at the O2 Arena, London, on April 30.
Featured Image Credit: Getty