Eddie Hall burst into tears before entering the ring to face Thor Bjornsson during an emotional tribute to his best friend Bazza Bailey, who tragically took his own life back in 2020.
The British star was outpointed in his boxing clash against strongman rival Bjornsson in Dubai last month. Hall documented his journey throughout including his preparations and diet ahead of a mission for bragging rights in the Middle East.
Ahead of making his ring walk, Hall burst into tears after paying an emotional tribute to his friend Bailey who died on July 11, 2020. He held a photo of the pair surrounded by his team as he prepared to make the ring walk after taping up his gloves. Hall spoke during the tribute backstage, hailing his friend for the influence on his boxing career.
Hall said during his behind-the-scenes YouTube video : "When this journey started he was always one of my number one supporters through all the strongman stuff too. And I just know that if he was alive with me today, he would be bouncing around with me too excited for this fight.
"I know he is looking down wishing me well and watching me knock that guy out. I fight for many reasons but he is one of them, let's do it for Baz." Hall gathered with his team and prepared to make his way into the arena after the emotional scenes took place.
The British star wore shorts on the night that included a piece of cloth taken from the garments of his best friend who passed away aged 50 after live-streaming his own death. It has been 16 months since his friend passed, but Hall continued to hold the dad-of-four as a key part of his life and early boxing career.
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Hall posted on his Facebook in the aftermath of his death: "The last conversation I had with him was about him being ringside for my fight and how excited he was and how much he was looking forward to it.
"Just like he supported and helped me train to win the World's Strongest Man he did the same with my boxing and never asked for anything in return other than to be on the journey with me. Well Bazza, my brother, I’m keeping my promise of you being there. I’m taking you on this journey with me. You’re coming into the ring with me, brother."
Despite ultimately falling to defeat, Hall put on a brave display having knocked down his rival during a bright early start in the fight. However, Bjornsson sent Hall tumbling to the canvas on two occasions as he rallied from behind to dominate the clash and had his hand raised after the final bell.
Hall is now eyeing a rematch with Bjornsson and plans to have a tattoo inked as the forfeit of their pre-fight wager in order to put himself in pole position.
