In a startling revelation, British strongman Eddie Hall has claimed that he did not receive any compensation for his highly anticipated fight against Icelandic rival Thor Bjornsson. The two powerhouses had faced off in March 2022 in what was billed as the ‘Heaviest Boxing Fight in History’ in Dubai, with Bjornsson emerging victorious.
Despite the hype and the fanfare surrounding the event, Hall has now revealed that neither he nor Bjornsson were paid their agreed-upon multi-million dollar purses. “It stands for me and I believe it stands for Thor too, we didn’t get paid anything,” Hall said during an appearance on strongman Brian Shaw’s podcast.
According to Hall, the television company that broadcast the fight simply “didn’t pay,” despite the pair having agreed to a “guaranteed seven-figure” deal. “Everything just fell through and the TV company that broadcast the fight just didn’t pay,” he stated.
The situation has left both athletes in a difficult position, with Hall revealing that they have had to take legal action to try and recoup the money they were owed. “We took them to court and the bi-promoter won, but they were like what do you want us to do? We have no money,” he explained.
The news is particularly surprising given the high-profile nature of the event and the significant investment that was reportedly made in staging the fight. Prior to the bout, Hall and Bjornsson had even proposed a $200,000 charity wager, further adding to the anticipation surrounding the clash.
Despite the setback, both athletes have continued to pursue opportunities in the world of combat sports. Bjornsson has not competed in the boxing ring since the fight, while Hall has ventured into the world of mixed martial arts, winning a sketchy 2 vs 1 cage match.
Looking ahead, Hall is now eyeing a potential matchup against fellow strongman Mariusz Pudzianowski, with talks reportedly ongoing. Additionally, he has been offered a spot on KSI’s Misfits Boxing promotion, provided he meets the necessary health and safety requirements.
As the story continues to unfold, fans and industry observers will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding this high-profile dispute. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of crossover events in the world of combat sports.
