The boxing match between The Iranian Hulk (real name Sajad Gharibi) and Martyn Ford quickly became one of the most anticipated combat sports events of the year.
The match became a viral sensation after The Iranian Hulk was exposed for photoshopping his gains. Later at a press conference, Hulk and Ford shared a heated faceoff that ended with Martyn Ford sending the Hulk flying across the room.
Unfortunately for everyone invested in the boxing match between The Iranian Hulk and Martyn Ford, Martyn Ford announced that the fight was canceled.
These statements did not sit well with The Iranian Hulk. Recently, Gharibi talked to Muscle and Health and stated that Ford was a “coward” for backing down from a faceoff in Dubai ahead of the boxing match between Thor Bjornsson and Eddie Hall.
“He ran away to avoid meeting me and refused to face me on the sidelines of the boxing match in Dubai between Thor and Hall,” The not-so-incredible Hulk said. “I went to the hotel where he was staying, but he hid behind his bodyguards then fled Dubai the next day.”
“I just wanted to see him alone to respond to his cowardice. Martyn is scared.”
“I will come to London, and this will not go unanswered. Martyn Ford a cowardly coward.”
“I’m actually ashamed to be considered his rival because he is more of a virtual clown than a fighter. He’s just looking for followers and views, not a fight.”
Now Martyn Ford is addressing these allegations.
When Ford was notified of Gharibi’s presence, he claimed he was having dinner with his wife to commemorate their anniversary.
Ford told Mirror:
“I was on a private holiday for me and my wife, I flew her out for a couple of days and I wanted to have time away from it”
“For me having respect for a sportsperson and understanding what an event is. I don’t want to fight on the streets in Dubai. He just wanted to look strong in front of all of his people.”
“There was about six guys and him stood outside my hotel waiting for me to come out. That sums up the whole event for me. It was an absolute joke. “
“Now if you are honestly wanting to do a professional fight, to stand outside like that when I am there with my wife. That is not boxing and that is not a role model.”
“I understand he is upset and frustrated, to me that is something that is going to get someone hurt and potentially arrested. “
“What is the point of me going out and meeting him and six guys in Dubai? What is going to happen? Worst case scenario I get done over by seven guys. Best case I do all seven guys and get arrested.”
“I am a 40-year-old guy, I am not an idiot. I am not going to have a fight on the streets, I don’t want to be seen as a street fighter who is beating up bums in Dubai and never be able to come back there again because I have a criminal record.”
Ford subsequently claimed that the bout was called off due to “mental health” issues. Both men demanded a new opponent. His opponent’s lack of preparation, according to the strongman, displays disdain for boxing.
“I am done with talking about the guy because he has tarnished a lot of what I am trying to do,” he said.
“I don’t blame him individually but I think there is an element of responsibility he has to take. He didn’t train for it, he wasn’t prepared for it and doesn’t deserve the opportunity at the moment to be honest. It is disrespectful to the fight game.”