A BODYBUILDER dubbed the Iranian Hulk has reportedly deleted social media pictures that fans reckoned were “photoshopped”.
It follows a humiliating defeat in his boxing ring debut – when his figure appeared drastically different from the sculpted frame that made him famous on Instagram.
Social media sensation Sajad Gharibi, 30, was barely able to throw a punch in a pitiful display against Kazakh Titan.
And fans noticed he cut a sorry figure compared to the muscular giant he appeared to be in Instagram snaps shared with his one million followers.
Instead of his famous rippling biceps and six-pack torso, Gharibi looked unfit with a bulging tummy straining under his t-shirt.
He also appeared shorter than his claimed 6ft 2in – standing around the same height as 5ft 7in strongman Titan.
Rookie boxer Gharibi turned his back on his opponent several times before the referee stopped the fight in the first round.
One fan said: “Somebody please pay Iranian Hulk to never step foot inside a boxing ring again.”
Since that embarrassing bout in Dubai, Gharibi has wiped dozens of pictures from his profile, reports the Daily Star.
Only 14 pictures and videos are still visible on his account, while the more spectacular images have vanished.
Gharibi – also known as “the Persian Hercules” – has become famous for his colossal physique.
His is known for posting snaps and videos of his strongman antics including breaking concrete in half, punching walls, and pulling cars.
Little is known about his childhood in Ahvaz, but he has previously said he had a traditional upbringing with family values at its centre.
Throwback pics show him as a weedy eight-year-old before he beefed up aged 14.
Later he claimed he represented Iran in powerlifting competitions.
He has claimed to be able to lift 50lbs more than his purported 380lbs bodyweight.
Gharibi is said to have flirted with MMA before setting his sights on a career in boxing.
Earlier this year he was lined up for a clash of the titans bout with Brit bodybuilder Martyn Ford.
But 6ft 9in Ford – dubbed the “world’s scariest man” – pulled out citing fears for Gharibi’s mental health.
Before the scheduled bout, they faced off in Dubai – and tempers flared as Ford shoved his opponent to the floor.
Ford also fanned the flames by claiming Gharibi digitally alters his Instagram snaps.
He said: “I think he’s just fooled the world with Photoshop, if I’m honest.
“Seeing him in real life is not as impressive as seeing him in pictures.”
