Wednesday 16 March 2016 15:06, UK
Anthony Joshua has hit back at Charles Martin's claims that he saw 'fear' during the face-off at their first press conference.
IBF champion Martin went head-to-head with Joshua in front of the watching media ahead of their heavyweight world title clash at the O2 Arena on April 9, live on Sky Sports Box Office.
The American had previously tweeted that Joshua was 'scared' and suggested he saw signs of vulnerability in the British challenger when they posed for the cameras.
But Joshua told Sky Sports News HQ: "He forgot the 'no' in front of it. There's no fear with me, no fear. I'm here, there is no turning back.
"I can't be worried. We had the opportunity to take the fight. I took it, so why would I be worried?
"I have to say he's wrong when he sees fear in my eyes."
Asked for his first impression of Martin, he said: "A hungry champion. Someone who has tasted the life, understands the way to become champion, comes from a rough background. You see him with his diamonds, his jewellery. I think he has tasted the life and he doesn't want to give that up.
"I think he's going to come game. April 9 will be explosive, myself underdog, him the champ, it's a great match-up."
Joshua accepted his first world title shot after only 15 fights and revealed the simple reply he gave to promoter Eddie Hearn when offered a meeting with Martin.
I just messaged back and said: 'Let's roll'.
The unbeaten 26-year-old said: "Me and Eddie talk a lot through text or WhatsApp, because I'm training, he's working, so we send messages when we can and the opportunity to fight Martin came along.
"He said: 'AJ, what do you think of Charles Martin?'
"I just messaged back and said: 'Let's roll'.
"He said: 'Cool, I'll get it sorted', and he has still got the message now. It's that simple, that's how we handle business."
Joshua holds the British and Commonwealth titles after his seventh round stoppage of Dillian Whyte in December, but admits he needs to raise his standards after being wobbled in the second round by his bitter rival.
"One hundred per cent, because I can't take a British level fight into the world level and expect to get respect," he said.
"That was British level and I can walk around and strut my stuff at that level, but now we're at world level, I've got to step my game up, get my head straight and do what I do best."
