Martyn Ford has boldly predicted he will knock out Iranian Hulk in just 17 seconds when they settle their rivalry next month.
Ford will meet the Hulk - real name Sajad Gharibi - in his boxing debut that will be held on a rescheduled date of April 30 in London. Both men have promised explosive stoppages in a fight which is being branded the heaviest in boxing history.
The British star has continued to question his rival's motivation ahead of the fight, and has revealed he spent time away from his family during training camp to put full-focus on achieving glory. "He is going to knock me out. I have got a weak chin," Ford said sarcastically when asked for a prediction. "Do you really want me to answer that? 17 seconds. If he doesn’t find some fire in his stomach and some passion, then you may as well get a second opponent to jump in after him.
"I don’t think there is going to be a punch that ends it, it is a very difficult question to answer in the sense that it could end in any way I want. That is how confident I am. All the dedication, hard work and everything I have put into this, I have sacrificed seeing my wife and my children to prepare for this fight.
"I just question whether that same dedication has gone in from him and if it hasn’t the actual fight night itself is irrelevant. For me I guarantee what happens on the night gives you a glimpse of where I want to be and what I want to do. I have said it for a couple of years.
"I am grateful for the Hulk for turning up as I really am. For me this isn’t about anything else than enjoying the experience, but I am not planning on going in there and being nice.”
Who do you think will win on April 30 - Martyn Ford or The Iranian Hulk? Let us know in the comments section below
Ford has a background training in MMA but has yet to compete in the cage with his maiden combat appearance taking place in the boxing ring. His opponent has sparked concern in the fight after fans questioned his training methods, before a worrying message indicated that he may not have a trainer ahead of their clash.
However Gharibi is confident that his opponent will be in for a tough night next month and has pointed out his own improvements in camp. “I am very excited for this fight, I have been working on a lot more lighter and flexible workouts whereas before I was doing muscle building workouts," he said.
"My stamina and heart rate have both improved and I am ready to do the rounds. This is going to be a very difficult night for Martyn. I believe that Martyn has a very weak chin coupled with the fact I have a very strong punch and I believe I am going to knock him out."
