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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Ben Davies

Martyn Ford vs Iranian Hulk postponed as injuries hit fight card

Martyn Ford's heavyweight showdown with Iranian Hulk has been postponed after injuries hit the fight card.

Ford and the Iranian Hulk - real name Sajad Gharibi - were set to finally settle their rivalry at The O2 area in London on April 2.

But they rivals will have to wait an additional four weeks to trade blows after the fight was pushed back until April 30.

The pair faced off for the first time in Dubai last month with Ford shoving his rival before Gharibi attempted a takedown.

Several celebrity fighters will be competing on the card including former Tottenham star Jamie O’Hara and Love Islanders Jack Fincham and Theo Campbell.

A statement from the organisers read: "Due to injuries, the sporting stars and celebrities on the card are now taking more time to prepare so that the ring will be occupied by fighting fit competitors in the best shape they can be. "

Ford has been waiting to settle his rivalry with Gharibi for several years after he initially proposed the bout during his time at Polish MMA promotion KSW.

The British star has revealed to fans that he currently weights 315lb ahead of what will be one of the heaviest fights in boxing history.

“Time to step it up even more now, no letting up, I will be the best version of me ... no matter what, I will be ready,” Ford posted a picture of his ripped physique on Instagram.

Gharibi had sparked concern ahead of the fight after it became unclear whether he had appointed a coach to train him for his maiden boxing appearance, or if his trainer was unable to attend the face-off.

The 30-year-old posted the 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."

Who wins the fight between Martyn Ford and Iranian Hulk? Let us know in the comments section below

His social media post sparked criticism from fans of Ford going into the fight but the 39-year-old has called for an end to the "hate" that his rival has been shown in the build-up to the clash.

"We have landed back in the UK, it's been one hell of a crazy few days," he wrote on Instagram. "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."

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