On March 19, 2022, former World’s Strongest Man (WSM) champion Hafthor Björnsson defeated fellow former WSM winner Eddie Corridor within the “Heaviest Boxing Match in Historical past.” After six action-packed rounds on the Dubai Obligation Free Tennis Stadium in Dubai, UAE, Björnsson was the unanimous victor.
All three judges scored in favor of Björnsson identically — 57-54 — with “The Mountain” successful all however the struggle’s second spherical. Björnsson celebrated the victory on his Instagram web page by thanking his followers for his or her assist and sharing a hyperlink to a video on his YouTube channel that options highlights from the struggle and behind-the-scenes footage:
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Each males fought admirably, however there was trash speak a a lot main as much as the bout. Each Corridor and Thor traded on-line barbs, saying they’d knock the opposite out. Certainly each males did put each other on the canvas, nevertheless it was Thor who seemed technically sharper. That is after each he and Corridor had two years to shift their skillsets from strongman to boxing.
So, the place did the previous Britain Strongest Man and UK Strongest Man go flawed? What ought to he have completed in another way to beat Björnsson and earn the unofficial title of greatest combating strongman? Let’s break it down.
Eddie Corridor vs. Hafthor Björnsson Combat Turning Level
In a matchup with this a lot energy and uncooked athleticism, defensive techniques are arguably as essential as touchdown a large haymaker. Corridor and Björnsson confirmed extra competency contained in the ring than many would possibly’ve anticipated regardless of their inexperience. Each clearly sought knockout blows all through the struggle, regardless of exposing themselves to the hazard of the opposite’s highly effective fists. When it’s huge swing after huge swing, the fighter in a greater place to guard themselves is prone to discover the benefit. It’s no coincidence that it’s right here the place Corridor fell quick.
Björnsson scored two knockdowns in the course of the struggle, undoubtedly important to his eventual victory. In each situations, Corridor held his proper hand by his aspect relatively than up, defending his chin. Whether or not he realized it in the intervening time or not is unclear (bear in mind, boxing is totally exhausting) however his stance left him uncovered to Björnsson’s left-hand crosses that in the end positioned Corridor on the mat twice. In a matchup of two strongman titans, the deciding issue seemingly got here right down to approach relatively than energy. Who would have thought?
All that mentioned, Corridor thanked his supporters and followers in an Instagram put up after the precise, exhibiting grace in defeat:
Corridor and Björnsson’s Rivalry
These two strongmen initially had a boxing match scheduled for September 18, 2021. Nevertheless, Corridor suffered a biceps harm throughout a sparring session, forcing the match’s postponement till March 2022.
A aggressive rivalry has existed between Corridor and Björnsson for the reason that 2017 WSM contest when Corridor claimed the general title. Björnsson completed because the runner-up following controversy over a missed rep name in the course of the Viking Press occasion. That one rep was the distinction that put Corridor atop the ultimate podium. When Corridor retired from aggressive strongman after that win, Björnsson comfortably claimed the WSM title the next yr in 2018.
It’s becoming that these two males are identified for his or her deadlifting prowess. The place they do in any other case possess spectacular ledgers of accomplishments, they’re the one two human beings ever to deadlift over at the very least 500 kilograms (1,102 kilos). Corridor managed the feat and then-world file of 500 kilograms precisely on the 2016 World Deadlift Championships (WDC) in Leeds, England. That file lasted 4 years earlier than Björnsson eclipsed Corridor by one kilogram in the course of the World’s Final Strongman (WUS) “Feats of Energy” sequence in Might 2020.
After all, even that carry didn’t come with out controversy. Björnsson carried out the deadlift with one officiant — Magnus ver Magnusson. Many high strongmen, together with Corridor himself, publicly said that they believed information damaged exterior of competitions shouldn’t be acknowledged.
Even nonetheless, Corridor and Björnsson are the one two males ever to deadlift at the very least 500 kilograms. It speaks to the outstanding capacity and energy each possess — one thing they’ve now confirmed throughout a number of sports activities. What’s subsequent for both man is up within the air, however the potential for a Corridor vs. Björnsson rematch could also be sooner or later.
Featured picture: @thorbjornsson on Instagram
