Martyn Ford has put on 9lbs in under a week despite claiming he is in his "fittest ever" shape as he continues to train for a potential boxing debut.
The British star is currently in training in hope of finding a new opponent for a boxing debut after his fight with Iranian Hulk - real name Sajad Gharibi - was shelved at late notice. Ford lost 60lbs to leave himself in perfect shape to compete in combat sports, but claimed he was "bigger than ever" after packing on more muscle.
Ford has since posted an update for fans on Instagram posting a picture in the gym, with the caption: "'How's training going?' Me: 'Oh yes, amazing, feeling fittest I have ever been'. 'How much weight have you lost?' Me: 'Mmmm I've put on 9lbs on in six days.'
"And this ladies and gents is why I try and limit my carbohydrates. Been eating to appetite and eating for performance, and weight have sky rocketed over the last few week. Just goes to show how important fuel is."
Ford previously claimed he had "never looked so skinny" despite putting weight back on and weighing around 322lbs. He has been working out by using boxing and MMA training since his previous scheduled fight with Gharibi was cancelled, after being left "frustrated" due to losing six months of dedicated preparation.
The 39-year-old was limiting his amount of weightlifting in exchange for boxing technique and endurance training through his time preparing in the height of training camp. However, Ford has since confirmed he remains in training in anticipation of a rescheduled debut, despite reducing his active sparring.
Who do you think Martyn Ford should fight on his boxing debut? Let us know in the comments section below
“I’m a little bit frustrated and bored. But I am ticking on and doing what I can to keep myself active and busy," Ford said. "Focus is the main thing, when you have prepared for something and you are not able to go out and do it with the work I have put in it is frustrating. For me it is trying to find something as soon as possible to put that energy into something.
“I am still training, only thing I am not doing is active sparring. I have switched back into its resistance and explosive power. If something does happen which I am hoping I can sign up too soon, I have been training and dedicating so much time and effort to it. I need to do it for my own mental state to be honest, anyone that has trained at a good level in any sport will understand the frustration I am going through at the moment."
Ford has a number of options on the table for a potential debut including a fight with Icelandic strongman Thor Bjornsson who has just beaten Eddie Hall. He is also exploring the opportunity of an MMA debut later this year, after holding talks with Polish promotion KSW over appearing on their planned October card in London.
