Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Martin Domin

Iranian Hulk posts worrying message after first face-off with Martyn Ford

The Iranian Hulk - whose real name is Sajjad Gharibi - has sparked concern after posting a worrying message following his first face-off with boxing rival Martyn Ford.

The heavyweights are due to clash in the ring in London on April 2 as the main event on a card packed with celebrities.

And the rivals came face to face for the first time last Friday when they met in Dubai.

Gharibi attempted a takedown on Ford who responded by shoving his rival before the pair were kept apart.

Gharibi later posted a message on social media in Persian which translated as: "I came to Dubai without any sponsor by selling assets, without a coach and without any support. I wish for death.

"Oh God, you are the witness of how much I have suffered. I am ashamed of Iranian people."

His post appeared to draw concern from Ford who, having returned to England, said: "We have landed back in the UK, it's been one hell of a crazy few days.

"I will say one thing, after meeting the Hulk, and seeing some of his videos in the last 48 hours, YES we are due to have a boxing match, BUT I do not want to see any hate towards him.

"We have both stepped into a pressure cooker. It's not an environment either of us are used to ... BUT please show some compassion for his feelings, no matter what you feel ... WE ARE ALL HUMAN, WE ARE BETTER than this."

Gharibi's fans also rallied in their support with one saying, "We all, the people of Iran, pray that you overcome this hard and breathtaking struggle, and after God, we trust you and we are sure that you will win and make yourself and your country proud."

Will Martyn Ford beat the Iranian Hulk? Let us know in the comments section below

Ford, who is also known as the World's Scariest Man, would appear to be the favourite heading into the novelty event.

He boasts a height and reach advantage and his training videos suggest he possesses better boxing technique.

The undercard at The O2 arena is set to feature stars from sport, reality TV and social media, including former Manchester United defender Patrice Evra.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.