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The 'world's scariest man' Martyn Ford was left worse for wear after a sparring session with Rico Verhoeven ahead of his boxing debut.

Ford will be facing the 'Iranian Hulk' Sajad Gharibi on April 2 at The O2 arena in London, and has been taking the bout very seriously, training with some top fighters in the build-up.

And he admitted that he was badly beaten in a sparring session with Glory Kickboxing legend Verhoeven when the pair met in the ring as part of his preparations for the Gharibi fight.

Ford was seen sporting a massive bruise on his right eye after the session, declaring the Verhoeven was "still" the world champion after the pair had engaged in a sparring session.

"I mean, I would like to say it was close," Ford captioned a video of him with the kickboxer after their workout. "But I'd be lying.

"What an incredible morning of education. Absolutely love LOVE LOVE this sport, the only way you learn, is to push your comfort zones.

"I think sharing the ring with the world champ, is definitely doing that... Rico Verhoeven my brother #champ #brother #levels."

He later posted a photo showing the bruise after it had developed over the day, adding: "Face courtesy of the legend that is Rico Verhoeven - and I still love him like a brother.

"For those who