HAFTHOR BJORNSSON vowed to knock out Eddie Hall immediately after his stoppage victory over arm wrestler Devon Larratt.
The Icelandic giant scored an easy first-round TKO victory over short-notice replacement Larratt in Dubai on Saturday night.
Hall was due to share the ring with the Game of Thrones star but was forced out of their grudge match with a bicep injury.
And Bjornsson – nicknamed The Mountain – was quick to send a message to his former friend.
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.”
Bjornsson, 32, came out aggressive early doors and immediately looked to take the centre of the ring with his pressure and a series of jabs.
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But he soon found himself trying to stay upright after the pair clinched and almost fell through the ropes.
The 47-year-old Larratt wasn’t deterred by the behemoth in front of him and looked to land counter shots, two of which found their home.
But the ref soon gave him a count for what initially looked like a stumble.
That proved to be the signal for Bjornsson to up the ante and fire his left hand, which began to find its home at will.
Larratt, to his credit, tried to close the distance and protect himself but couldn’t keep his 147kg opponent off him.
Enjoy your life, buddy. I’m gonna knock you out soon
Hafthjor Bjornsson’s message to Eddie Hall
After hearing Larratt wail in pain following a big left hand, the referee wisely decided to stop the contest.
Bjornsson was full of praise for his opponent after the final bell, saying: “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.”
Larratt was quick to thank his supporters and jokingly called for one of his fellow arm-wrestlers to avenge his loss.
He said: “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.”
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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
