Thor vs Eddie Hall result: Hafthor Bjornsson dominates rival in thrilling Dubai bout which saw both titans knocked down
HAFTHOR BJORNSSON handed Eddie Hall the heaviest blow of their storied rivarly by emerging victorious in their bitter grudge match.
And the pair of former world’s strongest men – who weighed a combined 47 STGONE – somehow both heard the final bell as it went the distance.
They were forced to get up off the canvas to stun everyone inside the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium and complete the full six exhibitions rounds.
But it was Bjornsson – who played The Mountain in Game of Thrones – who secured bragging right as his two knockdowns proved enough to earn the verdict.
Hall started the fight in explosive fashion, rocking Thor with almost the first punch he threw, sparking a chaotic opening three minutes.
The British brute, boxing as a southpaw, favoured the lead right hook which was finding home to his 6ft 9in Icelandic opponent.
Thor, also fighting leftie, landed a good left hand towards the end of the round, which caused a cut on Hall’s right eye.
Hall again came out the traps quickly in the second round and a right hand sent Bjornsson into the ropes and on the receiving end of a standing eight count.
Thor was again floored in the round but it was called a slip, although the momentum threatened to slip away from him.
He needed something big and boy did he get it – flooring Hall in the third with a massive left hand down the middle.
Hall picked himself up from the floor but looked fatigued coming out for the fourth, where Bjornsson started utilising a ramrod jab.
By round five, Hall was winding up his punches – for what felt about five minutes – without having the confidence to let go.
All while Thor stalked, throwing the left hand and forcing his man into the ropes, making clear the tide was well and truly turning.
But the Bjornsson put the icing on the cake in the sixth and final round.
A left hook sent Hall crashing to the deck, with his hopes of winning going down with him.
It put no doubt in the judges minds, with all three scoring it 57-54 in Thor’s favour.