Eddie Hall has claimed bitter rival Thor Bjornsson looks "ill and skinny" ahead of their boxing clash.
Hall is preparing to face Bjornsson in Dubai this weekend to settle their strongman rivalry in what has been dubbed the heaviest fight in history. But Bjornsson has faced concern from fans in the build-up after losing around 60kg.
Hall has echoed those fears and claims he will have the advantage on the night after opting to come in heavier.
"My goal has been to come into this fight as big, heavy, strong, and fit as possible,” Hall told Muscle and Health. I’ve never, ever once heard a boxer say, ‘I wish I was weaker for that fight’, or ‘I wish I was lighter for that fight’.
"I’ve never gassed-out and I’ve never been knocked out. So, at the end of the day, I’m pushing big, heavyweight boxers on to the back foot because of my size, because of my presence. Coming in heavy is a good strategy for me.
"Thor, for whatever reason, looks like a skinny dog on heat. For me, it’s just stupid. It’s supposed to be the heaviest boxing match in history, and he just looks ill. It’s not just me saying that, I see comments all over the place from people asking if he’s sick.
"That’s not me saying that, but the general public. I think he has genuinely got a problem with cardio. I don’t think he can sustain the full six rounds. I believe that’s why he’s lost so much weight. because his fitness levels are terrible.”
What do you make of Thor Bjornsson's remarkable weight transformation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
Hall has been struggling himself in the build-up to the fight after being forced to withdraw from their previous September date after suffering a detached bicep. He has since admitted in the final stages of preparation for this fight that he is recovering from a chest infection.
The British star is ensuring he enters the fight with more power by maintaining his heavy weight that he put on over the Christmas break. He wrote on Instagram : "56kg / 343lbs and Counting! Purposely kept heavy throughout my camp for power and I fully intend on delivering it. And don’t worry I can work for 10 rounds! I’m calling this journey ‘The Desolation of Thor’. Almost time for that big crybaby to pay!"
