Martyn Ford has explained the importance of his friendship with strongman Eddie Hall but believes their boxing styles are very different.
Ford is preparing for his debut in the boxing ring against the 'Iranian Hulk' in London later this year while Hall is waiting to reschedule a date with rival Thor Bjornsson.
The pair have been long-term friends and frequently work out together sharing videos on their social media accounts.
The 39-year-old has admitted Hall joked around with his boxing debut on the horizon but expects his loyalty to be an asset during his preparations.
“He called me a big girl, it is like a love-hate relationship," Ford joked to Mirror Fighting . "He calls me skinny and a useless piece of s*** basically.
"Jokes aside he is very supportive about it as a friend. I spoke to him before the Arnold Classic and I said to him whatever you do you do it for you and approach it properly.
"He has a heart of gold, very loyal to his friends and very supportive. As far as I have boxing advice I haven’t taken any from him. If anything I would box like Thor and he would box like the Hulk, except he is a much harder proposition than what the Hulk is going to be.
"He is a genuine athlete whereas the Hulk is going to be a big soft punch bag in fairness. Eddie has not put much out on purpose, but he is sparring and training ridiculously hard. He is the type of person that when he puts his mind to something he will do it against all odds.
'Some of the videos he puts out I say this as a close friend, you question the form but power he is second to none. Eddie is the type of guy that will win because he is so hungry and passionate."
Hall was set to face Bjornsson last year but he was forced to withdraw from the planned date after suffering a detached bicep injury.
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The British star's Icelandic rival has entered the ring three times against Simon Valily, Stephen Ward and most recently against arm wrestler Devon Larratt.
Ford is looking to also launch his career in fighting and sees a future in the sport alongside his desire to compete in MMA.
He has also spoken about advice he has received from heavyweight boxing star Dillian Whyte.
“For the last six to 12 months I have had some phenomenal friends in my life, boxing wise I have Dillian who I have spoken to on and off quite a bit," Ford continued.
"He is a massive inspiration to me because he has always been that rough and ready, in your face, hungry and fights for the fight. He is someone I can look up to and find a lot of similarities.
“I have legitimate professional world champions giving me time and advice that I can go and train with."
