Belfast boxer Steven Ward is being lined up to fight Game of Thrones giant Hafthor ‘Thor’ Bjornsson next month.
In a bizarre twist of boxing fate, Ward will take on ‘The Mountain’ in an exhibition bout in Iceland on January 16.
The fight is to help former World’s Strongest Man Bjornsson prepare for his showdown with fellow strongman Eddie Hall next September.
MTK Global – who manage Belfast cruiserweight Ward – are working in an advisory role for Bjornsson vs Hall, which has been billed as ‘The Heaviest Boxing Match of All Time’.
“It all sort of came out of the blue, and it is something different,” Ward told Belfast Live.
“It is a bit left-field but when the opportunity was put to me I said yes. Boxing in the current climate is difficult, and getting fights is tough.
“My last fight was in September, and it could be February or March before I fight professionally again, and I have a young family.
(Image: ©INPHO/Jonathan Porter)
“So when this was put to me I thought it through and said I would do it.”
The fight with Bjornsson – who played Gregor ‘The Mountain’ Clegane in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones – will be over three three-minute rounds and will be held in the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik.
“I’ve never watched Game of Thrones, so I wasn’t even aware of Bjornsson’s role in the show. He’s massive!” Ward laughed.
“But I have met him before. I saw him in Belfast and saw him working on the bags. He is athletic and can move for a big man. He definitely surprised me.
“It will be something totally different and will keep me ticking over.
“I am hoping to get another fight in February or March so this will keep me active and training.”
