Martyn Ford wants to fight Thor Bjornsson in a bid to move on from his farcical and ill-fated clash with Iranian Hulk.
Ford was set to meet Iranian Hulk - real name Sajad Gharibi - in his boxing debut but the event was cancelled at short-notice over concerns for his rival's "mental wellbeing". The British star now faces an uncertain future but is hopeful of still making a maiden appearance, with fans suggesting fellow strongman Thor Bjornsson as an ideal replacement.
Bjornsson recently beat bitter rival Eddie Hall and Ford believes any fight between himself and the Icelandic star has the potential to eclipse that Dubai meeting. "For me in Dubai I saw the Eddie vs Thor fight and I thought Thor did well," Ford told Mirror Fighting . "It was touted out there, 100 per cent I want to fight Thor. If we are going to put it out there, name me one other person I want to fight who is the same size and would go head-to-head.
"I think that is the fight people want to see as it offers the whole package. They have to have the celebrity, bring the numbers to the table and it also has to be a similar level, size and background. Me and Thor would be perfect. It makes sense on so many levels. Me and Eddie being such good friends and him beating Eddie, there is genuinely a reason for it. I hold no animosity towards Thor.
"I don’t know the kid and there would be no ill-feeling, but I feel like it would be the opportunity to go through the gears against someone. It would be a phenomenal opportunity and if I beat him I would get respect and I know he won’t be suicidal."
Ford elected to step away from the fight with Gharibi after several worrying messages from his opponent including a "wish for death" on social media. Gharibi also claimed he had no trainer for the fight, and broke down crying on national TV after being disowned by his parents.
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The 39-year-old admitted he no longer wanted to be associated with the event, despite previously being excited about sharing the ring with his long-term rival. "For me everything was adding up to becoming a complete farce and I didn’t want to be associated with it," Ford continued.
"I was concerned where it was going, it started out as a grudge match. I said to you it was going to be f****** exciting, it is going to be not technically great but a great scrap. He doesn’t know what he is getting too. I don't even think he thought it was a real fight.
"I can’t fight this kid, whatever was said before I don’t believe in my eyes it was coming from him. I think he is a nice kid, soft and wants the limelight. He is not ready to fight, that is not being disrespectful, that is taking his safety into precaution."
