IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin wants a big test in his first title defence, and while Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury have a mandatory and rematch in place, the American is targeting British and Commonwealth champion Anthony Joshua.
Martin became the IBF champion in January after beating Vyacheslav Glazkov. Charles is willing to travel to the UK and even come in April to fight AJ. Charles’ manager Leon Margules has said an offer has been submitted, although believes that Joshua and his team may not be ready yet.
“We’ve reached out to Joshua’s people,” promoter Leon Margules told RingTV.com. “I think there’s interest on their side but I just don’t know if they think they’re ready yet.
“They know they have a kid they’re holding back. I think it’s a fight that can be made if they think they’re ready.
“We’d go to England if there is a fight. The kid is a superstar over there. Everyone is saying he’s the second coming, so let’s find out.”
Joshua has had many offers to consider for his next bout. The IBF could offer the British champion a final eliminator against Carlos Takam to eventually face Charles Martin, although if Martin is offering AJ a fight now then a direct route would be more plausible.
Another name that is being murmured is New Zealand’s Joseph Parker. Parker, like Joshua, is making much noise in his homeland and has mentioned Joshua in a recent interview with Sky Sports.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn told IFL TV that Anthony Joshua could be against Dereck Chisora for the European title, Bryan Jennings, Bermane Stiverne or Johann Duhaupas for the April 9 bout at the O2 Arena, London. Chisora is now fighting Kubrat Pulev for the European title so that bout can be firmly ruled out.
An announcement on Joshua’s opponent is set to be made very soon.
– Oun Abbas Hussain / @ouney86
– Managing Editor for Behind the Gloves.
Go bang chales Martin Joshua ur ready g