MAN MOUNTAIN Thor eased to victory over Devon Larratt with a first round TKO
Arm wrestling legend Larratt stepped in at the last minute after Eddie Hall pulled out of the fight with a bicep injury.
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Full undercard results
- Thor bt Devon Larratt by TKO
- Jacob Heppner bt Josh Bridges by UD
- Anthony De Brujin bt Giorgi Gachechiladze by UD
- Stefi Cohen drew with Marcela Nieto
- Martin Bakole bt Haruna Osumanu by KO
- Avril Mathie bt Jesca Mfinanga by UD
TALE OF THE TAPE
Just a reminder of how Eddie Hall and Hafthor Bjornsson stack up ahead of their grudge match.
JAW TAKER
Eddie Hall is champing at the bit to share the ring with Hafthor Bjornsson, so much so has vowed to shatter the Icelandic giant’s jaw.
He told Men’s Health UK: “In the beginning, I think everyone had Thor as the favourite because he’s got the reach and height advantage.
“I’m 6ft 2.5in and he’s 6ft 9in, but I think people are now gauging how seriously I’m taking this.
“I’m putting my heart and soul into this fight and I don’t do anything 99%. It’s 100% or nothing.
“I think it’s safe to say the public is starting to get that feeling that I’m taking this very seriously indeed and that Thor is going to get a broken jaw.”
WHY THE HATRED BETWEEN THOR AND EDDIE?
The rivalry between the pair stems from Eddie Hall’s World’s Strongest Man triumph in 2017 – after which Hafthor Bjornsson claimed the Brit cheated in the Viking press portion of the competition.
Hall said of Thor’s comments: “
This is a quote from Hafthor Bjornsson: ‘I was robbed.’
“For the last three years, instead of answering questions about how I defeated some of the greatest strongmen to ever live, Hafthor included, instead I had people questioning whether I really won it or not.
“Hafthor Bjornsson and his entourage have been smearing my title and the referee Colin Bryce’s reputation for the last three years.
“Because he was the Mountain from Game of Thrones, a huge TV star, people listened and people believed him.
“I’ve had enough of the doubters saying he was robbed and how hard done by he was.
“So today, I came across a video that ends all the smack talk and silences the doubters.
“This video stopped me in my tracks for how desperate a man can be when things don’t go his way.
“It’s time for the truth to be told, for the picture to do the talking.
“Hafthor Bjornsson, you and your yes men should be ashamed of yourselves.”
‘RESPECT FOR THIS SPORT’
Game of Throne star Hafthor Bjornsson was quick to reiterate his love and respect for the sweet science after having his hand raised.
He said: “I love competing and I have such a respect for this sport.
“I’ve been an athlete my whole life, and this sport is without a doubt the hardest sport I’ve tried.
“But I absolutely love it.”
DEVON LARRATT TALKS
“Thanks to everybody who supported me and believed in me in this process.
“I know that there is an arm-wrestler out there who is a far superior boxer to me.
“Please, take vengeance on Thor for me. Somebody from the arm-wrestling world who actually has some hands.”
MORE FROM THOR
Hafthor Bjornsson was full of praise for Devon Larratt after their bout, hailing him for taking the fight on a mere five weeks’ notice.
He said: “My thoughts is just wow.
Devon is such a warrior, he has the biggest heart i know. That guy is something else.
“To only take a fight on only five weeks’ notice is brave.”
THOR CALLS OUT HALL
Hafthor Bjornsson has just sent a message to former friend turned rival Eddie Hall.
In his post-fight interview, he said: “You guys know what I want to fight [next].
“You guys know. Come on, who is it? I know Eddie’s at home chilling on the sofa with his popcorn and cola.
“Enjoy your life, buddy. I’m gonna knock you out soon.”
IT’S OVER!
Hafthor Bjornsson has defeated short-notice opponent Devon Larratt via first-round TKO.
A scrappy and unpleasing affair on the eye, but The Mountain finally has his first victory.
THOR VS LARRATT – ROUND ONE
Thor comes out aggressive and immediately tries to take the centre of the ring with a series of jabs.
They clinch and briefly fall into the ropes before the ref steps in.
Larratt has landed two good counter hooks early.
The ref is giving a count to Larratt, not sure why, though.
Thor lands a big straight left before Larratt looks to close the distance and avoid the onslaught.
Bjornsson is continuing to find a home for his straight left and Larratt is struggling.
A big left hook lands for Thor and staggers Larratt. And the ref has waved it off!
HERE COMES THE MOUNTAIN
Hafthor Bjornsson is making his way to the ring.
LARRATT IS HERE
Devon Larratt is in the ring.
ALMOST MAIN EVENT TIME
It’s almost time for Hafthor Bjornsson and Devon Larratt to go to war.
Will the former Game of Thrones star finally pick up his first victory?
We’re about to find out.
HEPPNER WINS
Jacob Heppner defeats Josh Bridges via unanimous decision.
No complaints with that decision. Now, let’s move on to the main event.
BRIDGES VS HEPPNER – ROUND SIX
Both men are giving their all here in the sixth and final stanza.
Despite huffing and puffing earlier, Heppner is the fresher fighter.
Bridges seems resigned to throwing and hoping and has missed wildly with several shots.
The final bell goes.
BRIDGES VS HEPPNER – ROUND FIVE
Just as I praise both men for showing some degree of skill, it drops.
More than likely down to fatigue, but the pace and quality has well and truly dropped.
Heppner, to his credit, is continuing to try and push the pace.
BRIDGES VS HEPPNER – ROUND FOUR
Okay, this has actually turned out to be better than I expected.
For six months of training between them, both men are showcasing okayish skills.
Although I won’t be paying to watch these two go at it again anytime soon.
Heppner lands his best shot of the night in the final minute, with a big right hand landing flush on Bridge’s chin.
BRIDGES VS HEPPNER – ROUND THREE
Heppner appears to have found a second wind in the third, although he’s still breathing heavy.
Bridges is, however, continuing to have success when he closes the distance.
The former Navy Seal is also repeatedly finding a home for his overhand right.
BRIDGES VS HEPPNER – ROUND TWO
Both men come out swinging, albeit recklessly, at the start of the second.
Bridges is by far the cleaner puncher and is landing good shots when he closes the distance.
Heppner is far too tight and rigid and gassing himself out with his stiff and telegraphed punches.
A good overhand right lands for Bridges just before the final minute mark.
The bell goes.
BRIDGES VS HEPPNER – ROUND ONE
You can clearly tell these guys have never fought competitively, but they’re giving it a real go.
Heppner is trying his best to dictate the pace of the fight and take the centre of the ring.
But Bridges comes forward and lands two nice combinations. Heppner is breathing at the end of the first.
CROSSFITTERS UP NEXT
Up next is a battle of former CrossFit Games competitors. Yup, you read that correctly, CrossFitters
Former Navy Seal Josh Bridges is about to throw down with Jacob Heppner.
I have no idea how this is going to go or if it’ll even represent a boxing match.
Only time will tell.
LIGHT WORK FOR BAKOLE
Take a look at heavyweight prospect Martin Bakole’s destruction of Haruna Osumanu.
RESULT
Anthony de Bruijn has defeated Georgian journeyman Giorgi Gachechiladze via unanimous decision.
You didn’t need a scorecard to tell the victor of that contest.
In truth, I’m glad it’s over.
SHOTS FIRED FROM HALL
Hafthor Bjornsson has had his brief boxing career mocked by his old pal Eddie Hall, whom he was meant to fight this evening.
Hall told Men’s Health UK: “I’ve watched both the fights and it was very laughable.
“It’s put a lot more confidence in me watching his fights, because I know what I’m capable of. I know what I can do.
“I’ve put absolutely zero content out there, and I know for a fact that’s going to be getting in his head as well that he doesn’t know what’s coming.
“You know he’s going to have some sleepless nights, whereas I’m going to sleep like a baby, because I know what’s coming and I’m not scared of it.”
CONFIDENT IN HIS SNOUT
Devon Larratt is adamant Hafthor Bjornsson won’t be able to make good on his vow to break his nose, so much so he’s bet him £364.
He said: “You know Thor, if you break my nose I’ll personally take $500 of my prize money and give it to you. I just don’t think it’s possible.
“And I think a broken nose would suit me well, it would up my popularity in the world.
“I think I’ll look better, more people will love me – you break it Thor, go break my nose, let’s see how it goes.
“But if I break your nose I expect you to give me $5,000 because you wear nicer clothes than me, I can get a suit like that next time we do this.”
NOSE BREAKER
Hafthor Bjornsson plans to draw blood tonight, vowing to break Devon Larratt’s nose.
Earlier this week, the 32-year-old said: “What can I say to this guy?
“I like him, but I’m going to beat his a***.
“I’m in a rough situation here, what can I do? I’ll probably break his nose, I’m sorry Devon it’s just my job.”
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
