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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Sport
Ben Davies

Iranian Hulk makes "no coach" claim ahead of Martyn Ford grudge fight

The 'Iranian Hulk'- real named Sajad Gharibi - has suggested he has no coach for his fight with Martyn Ford.

The heavyweights are due to clash at The O2 arena on April 2 and met during a face-to-face in Dubai last week as they look to settle their rivalry.

However Gharibi has sparked concern after posting a worrying message ahead of the fight after tussling with Ford at the event.

Gharibi 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.

"Oh God, you are the witness of how much I have suffered. I am ashamed of Iranian people."

It remains unclear whether Gharibi has not yet appointed a coach to train him for his maiden boxing appearance, or if his trainer was unable to attend the face-off.

Understandably this sparked concern amongst fans who have previously claimed that the Iranian star will be "destroyed" by Ford, who has been training intensely.

Ford, also known as the 'World's Scariest Man', has previously branded his opponent "disgusting" and "useless" as their war of words heated up.

However he leapt to the defence of his opponent after their face-off in Dubai claiming he did not want the Iranian star receiving "hate".

Ford wrote in a social media post of his own: "We have landed back in the UK, it's been one hell of a crazy few days.

"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.

Who do you think will win? Sajad Gharibi or Martyn Ford? Let us know in the comments section below

"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."

Gharibi's fans have since pledged their support to the Iranian on social media as they look to try and back their man ahead of the illustrious showdown.

Both Ford and Gharibi have traded words ever since their rivalry began when the pair proposed a bout during Ford's time at Polish MMA promotion KSW.

The pair came to blows during a feisty opening meeting, with Gharibi attempting to take down the giant who stands at six feet nine inches.

However his attempt failed with members of the intimate audience separating the pair, before Ford sent his rival flying with a brutal push.

Despite the clash the pair have agreed to settle things in the ring and have both promised big stoppages in front of the crowd in London.

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