This narrative explores the extraordinary exhibition boxing match between Steven Ward, a professional boxer from Belfast, and Hafthor Bjornsson, the renowned strongman and actor famous for his role as 'The Mountain'. The encounter, which took place amidst the global pandemic, stemmed from an unexpected offer to Ward, who was at the time working on a building site. What began as a potential coaching opportunity for Bjornsson's boxing aspirations against Eddie Hall quickly evolved into a surprising four-round exhibition bout for Ward. This unique event not only provided an unexpected financial boost for Ward during a period of professional slowdown but also forged an unusual bond of mutual respect between the two vastly different athletes.
The story delves into the stark physical contrast between the two combatants and the humorous anecdotes that emerged from their interactions, highlighting the casual yet professional approach Ward maintained despite the colossal challenge. Their shared experience in the ring, though an exhibition, served as a genuine test for Bjornsson, aiding his preparation for future contests, while offering Ward a fascinating deviation from his typical boxing career. It underscores how unforeseen opportunities can arise from difficult circumstances, leading to memorable experiences and insights into diverse athletic disciplines.
The Unexpected Call: From Construction Site to Celebrity Boxing
In a period marked by professional stagnation due to global events, Belfast-based boxer Steven Ward found himself engaged in construction work when a surprising proposition arrived. His manager contacted him, hinting at a meeting with an individual named 'Thor'. Initially bewildered, Ward soon realized this was no ordinary meeting; he was to meet Hafthor Bjornsson, universally recognized as 'The Mountain' from the popular television series 'Game of Thrones', a man of immense stature and strength, holding world records in deadlifting. Ward's initial assumption was that he would be brought in to spar with Bjornsson or assist in his boxing training, much like his past experience with cricketer Freddie Flintoff. However, the true nature of the meeting soon became clear: Bjornsson was seeking an opponent for an exhibition match.
Ward's casual attire for the meeting—flip-flops, shorts, and a T-shirt—belied the monumental scale of the individual he was about to face. The sheer size of Bjornsson, who reportedly exited the elevator sideways due to his girth, left a lasting impression on Ward. The conversation quickly shifted from mere training assistance to the prospect of a direct confrontation. Despite the overwhelming physical disparity—Bjornsson outweighed Ward by over 170 pounds and stood significantly taller—Ward, ever the professional, accepted the challenge without hesitation. This impromptu decision led to a four-round exhibition fight, initially planned for Iceland but relocated to Dubai due to pandemic-related travel restrictions, offering Ward a significant financial gain compared to his construction earnings.
A Cruiserweight's Challenge: Boxing a Giant
The lead-up to the exhibition match was filled with humorous moments and a stark realization of the physical challenge Ward faced. Friends barraged him with internet memes depicting Bjornsson's brutal 'Game of Thrones' scenes, superimposing Ward's head onto the victims, underscoring the perceived David-and-Goliath nature of the upcoming bout. Ward even had to strategically misreport his weight, inflating it slightly to prevent Bjornsson from underestimating him further. Their first physical interaction outside the ring, with Bjornsson in Ward's car, demonstrated the strongman's colossal presence, causing the vehicle to visibly tilt under his weight.
During the actual fight in Dubai, despite the exhibition nature of the bout, Bjornsson emphasized his desire for a "real" experience to prepare him for his intended fight against Eddie Hall. This meant Ward, a skilled boxer, had to be cautious yet effective. Video footage of the fight shows Ward skillfully utilizing his jab and maintaining distance, avoiding direct engagements that could prove disastrous given Bjornsson's immense power. Ward vividly described the impact of Bjornsson's punches as akin to being hit by a "baseball bat" or "steel bar," noting the sheer mass of Bjornsson's forearms and biceps. Despite the danger, Ward found the experience enjoyable and lauded Bjornsson as an "absolute gentleman" and a "pure athlete." This unique boxing encounter highlighted not only Ward's adaptability and courage but also fostered a newfound appreciation for the dedication required to be a world-class strongman.