Hafthor Bjornsson Gets Rocked And Hits Canvas In Final Bout Before Eddie Hall Showdown
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Hafthor Bjornsson was wobbled and got a taste of the canvas in his final boxing bout before his showdown with rival strongman Eddie Hall in September.
The 6ft 9in Icelander, who rose to fame playing The Mountain in 'Game of Thrones', engaged in a four-round exhibition with British heavyweight Simon Vallily - and both men were hurt at times in an exciting if crude contest.
Both boxers also hit the canvas although the referee (perhaps generously) ruled each one as a slip, as the legs tangled between the southpaw Bjornsson and the orthodox Vallily.
After a quiet opening round, 'Thor' was rocked back to the ropes with a left hook in round two. He stayed on his feet and appeared to put Vallily down a minute later with a bludgeoning hook of his own, but the referee ruled no knockdown.
Bjornsson himself hit the deck in round three. But - while a shot was clearly thrown by Vallily - the referee once again ruled no knockdown. A replay did appear to show that Vallily was standing on Bjornsson's foot, causing the slip.
The 2018 World's Strongest Man winner came firing right back with his haymakers and appeared to hurt Vallily at the end of the third round.
The fourth round was slower in pace and, although the match was officially an exhibition so won't count on either man's pro boxing record, it was declared a draw on the night.
Bjornsson, who looked in terrific shape, definitely didn't have much in the way of defence, but was happy to let fly with his clubbing power punches.
"He's awkward, he's a big man, getting physical," said Vallily post-fight, per talkSPORT. "I've seen his last fight and credit to him, he's come on a lot.
"He's got a lot of potential. I'm not just saying that."
Bjornsson expressed pleasure with his performance - then fired out a warning to Britain's Hall, who he fights in a grudge match in Las Vegas lter this year.
"Simon was a good opponent to me, this was good to test my chin as well as my ability to fight in the ring against a professional," said the 32-year-old.
"He gave me some good shots, good hooks that landed well. I was very happy with my performance.
"I promise you I'm doing everything I can to knock out Eddie Hall in September."
Topics: Eddie Hall, Boxing, Strongman, Hafthor Bjornsson
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