On Sunday, February 14, 2015, Matchroom Boxing announced that Charles Martin will make the first defense of his IBF Heavyweight tile against Anthony Joshua at the 02 Arena in London.
After just winning his title in odd fashion Vyacheslav Glazkov in January, Martin will look to silence critics against a very tough opponent.
The 29-year-old native of Missouri beat a very tough opponent, but, as Glazkov was injured during the fight, it was not enough to see if Martin will do well against Joshua.
“I told my Team I wanted the best challenger possible for my first defense and Anthony Joshua’s name kept coming up,” said Martin.
“I’m coming to the UK to make a statement that I am the best heavyweight in the world and no-one is taking my title,” said Martin.
“I respect Anthony Joshua and everything he has accomplished, but on April 9 he’s getting knocked out,” said a confident Martin.
Joshua, a 26-year-old Olympic gold medalist from England, is expected to be a heavy favorite in a fight that will take place in his home country.
“Fighting for the Heavyweight World title has been a dream of mine since I turned professional,” said Joshua.
“Charles Martin is a great fighter and a hungry competitor so I am going to have to produce the performance of my career to claim that belt,” said Martin.
In a tweet released a few moments after the announcement, Joshua stated that he takes every challenge seriously, perhaps alluding to the fact that he his expected to win.
Any challenge presented I take seriously! Fighting Charles Martin for the IBF World Heavyweight title! 👑 #AJBoxing pic.twitter.com/zHrXzoLXeN
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) February 14, 2016
The Heavyweight division just got a little bit more exciting, which isn’t saying much because of the ten-year, nearly tyrannical reign of the Klitschkos.
Nevertheless, a win for Joshua could lead to a potential showdown between him and his compatriot, Tyson Fury. Also in the mix, of course, is WBC champion Deontay Wilder.
Who do you think takes the victory?
