Martyn Ford was concerned that the Iranian Hulk would take his own life if the original fight went ahead.
The British bodybuilder was supposed to fight the Iranian Hulk – real name Sajad Gharibi – on 30 April.
The altercation saw Gharibi get shoved to the ground by Ford.
He told The Mirror: "This is where we came to Dubai and had the confrontation.
"I have genuine concerns about his mental health and how he’s feeling. It is who I am.
"I can't fight someone who I genuinely believe can take his own life after the fight.
"As an outsider people might say, ‘What are you on about?’ but from someone who was there, who saw him and the way he crumbled.
"We had a face-off and it was one little push. I looked in his eyes and then turned around and said to the guys, ‘There is no fight’.
"What happened afterwards I already felt bad about, the amount he got bullied and his reaction to being bullied breaking down on National TV. Then his parents came out and said 'we don’t want anything to do with you, you are weak'.
"Then on Instagram Live when he turned around and said he hates Iranians and wants to end his life. I just thought, 'No I can’t be a part of this’."
Despite the setback, Ford seems to be eager to find a new opponent.
He added: “I’m a little bit frustrated and bored. But I am ticking on and doing what I can to keep myself active and busy.
"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.
Ford concluded: “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."
If you or someone you know is experiencing feelings of isolation and distress or thoughts of suicide, The Samaritans are on hand to help you through the most difficult times.
You can call them in confidence on 116 123, email [email protected], or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
You can also call MIND on 0300 123 3393 or CALM on 0800 58 58 58.
In the USA, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Helpline on 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you or someone you know is in need of mental health assistance urgently.
The Helpline is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Sad news for bizarro combat sports aficionados. According to MMA Mania a highly anticipated circus fight between bodybuilder Martyn Ford and internet sensation Sajad Gharibi (better known as ‘The Iranian Hulk’) appears to be off.
The fight, due to be contested under standard boxing rules, had been set for April 2nd at London’s O2 Arena. It was then postponed to April 30th. However, according to promoters Boxstar, the event is now cancelled.
Boxstar released the following statement about the cancellation on social media:
“Boxstar are regrettably postponing the planned event on April 30.To lose such a big (in every sense of the word) main event has understandably been a blow to the event and to the fans. Due to this, rather than pushing ahead with the April 30, we have instead made the difficult decision to postpone the event. Anyone who has bought tickets for the April 30 show will be contacted about refunds.”
Gharibi put the blame for the cancellation squarely on Ford’s shoulders, stating:
“I heard Ford doesn’t want to fight, it is not me, not any other fighters. I never cancelled any fight between us but he doesn’t want see me again! It is against the contract and my legal team have started looking at it. Actually ‘pretty boy’ can’t even fight, he just hides and runs away, he must have a permission from a woman first. I can’t believe an opponent like him, it’s shameful. This victory isn’t an honor for me, it’s a century joke not a century fight.”
Ford released a statement of his own. In his statement Ford claimed that he would definitely be entering the ring, but didn’t know if it would be to face Gharibi.
“This is a statement I didn’t want to have to release but unfortunately my fight is going to be postponed. I don’t want to go down the route of talking about it; too much time and energy has been wasted. For me, personally, I’m still training hard, there will be a debut, there will be a fight, I’m just not 100 percent sure who, when or why, but it will happen.”
The last time we reported on this fight it was after a viral staredown moment between these men. In that staredown there was a scuffle between the rivals, with Ford pushing Gharibi to the ground.
Gharibi then appeared on a TV show where he broke down crying while explaining that he had been disowned by his family because of what happened at the face-off. Gharibi continued to say that his mother and father commanded him to defeat, and finish, Ford.
Ford claimed that after seeing Gharibi’s dramatic appearances, he had doubts the fight would ever happen. And he seems to have been proven right.
Without its star attraction the April 30th card is left with former Manchester United player Patrice Evra vs. Youtuber Adam Saleh at the top of the card. The event also includes former Love Island reality show contestant AJ Bunker against an opponent to be confirmed.