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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ben Davies

Iranian Hulk weighed 400lb before training camp for Martyn Ford fight

The 'Iranian Hulk' Sajad Gharibi has claimed he weighed almost 400lbs before beginning his training camp for his clash with Martyn Ford.

Gharibi will face Ford in an event that is being described as the 'heaviest fight in boxing history' on April 2 at the O2 Arena.

He now weighs around 370lbs and has been pictured in training for the event in a bid to settle his long-term rivalry with Ford.

And Gharibi inssits he has "more power than ever before" despite the weight drop.

“At my heaviest, I weighed 180kg and they called me ‘tank’,” he told Muscle and Health. “I lost weight in order to fight and perform better.

"Now, I have more power than ever before, I’m training seven days a week for two hours at a time. I mix bodybuilding with boxing skills.

"I don’t eat any sugar and haven’t done for several months. My carb intake is moderate and my protein intake is at its maximum.

“I have millions of fans, both young and old, who are waiting patiently for this fight. I promise I will make them happy.”

Gharibi has no prior experience in the boxing ring and fans fear he will be "destroyed" by his rival after a video emerged on social media of his questionable training technique.

He was seen wrestling three sparring partners before using clinch work on a wall up against another sparring partner.

The Iranian star has now posted a bizarre warning message for his opponent where he is seen squashing an orange while vowing to secure stoppage victory.

Who will win on April 2 - Martyn Ford or the 'Iranian Hulk'? Let us know in the comments section below

Gharibi has now followed up the message by claiming he is ready to leave his opponent requiring a "stretcher".

“I’m going to London to fight Martyn and be victorious,” he continued. “I don’t think of anything else. I never consider losing- I just think about that victory.

"Money is not important for me, I don’t fight for money, I fight for my people and my fans. It’s true to say that I’m not a professional boxer, but I am doing my absolute best to become one.

"Once this fight is over and done with, I will train for MMA, because I love the cage. You’ll see me there after this win.

“Martin, continue to insult me, keep playing the clown, but I promise you will be taken out on a stretcher! You stand no chance against me.

"It’s not all about talent or genetics. I believe that if you work hard and train hard, it works. That’s my method.” year.

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