Joshua: Charles Martin wary of Anthony Joshua threat
Tuesday 29 March 2016 08:33, UK
World heavyweight champion Charles Martin believes the hype surrounding Anthony Joshua is justified but remains confident of a knockout victory.
Martin (23-0-1-KO21) defends his IBF world title against Joshua (15-0-KO15) at The O2 on April 9 - live on Sky Sports Box Office - and is taking the Londoner's challenge very seriously.
The American said on The Gloves Are Off: "Are you asking me if I think the hype is real? Yeah, why not? It's going to be a real fight, for sure. It's the real deal. I'm not taking it lightly.
Anybody can be knocked out. It's not going 12 rounds. We're the lions of the sport. If you're going 12 rounds and you're a heavyweight, something's wrong
"I'm going to handle my business as the world champion. I'm even hungrier because I want it all. People may think I'm joking with my vision but I want to leave a mark on this game. The best southpaw that ever put on a pair of gloves. I want all the belts.
Martin v Joshua: The Gloves Are Off
"Anybody can be knocked out. It's not going 12 rounds. We're the lions of the sport. If you're going 12 rounds and you're a heavyweight, something's wrong.
"You don't belong there. Two big dudes in the ring; there shouldn't be a reason for it to go 12 rounds. It shouldn't take that long.
"I'm confident I can't be beat. I'm the champ, baby. I'm going to keep on being the champ so I'm going to knock him out Period. I'm not going to call a round - when I see it, I'm going to do it."
Addressing Joshua, the champion added: "You're in front of me now and I'm going to step right over you. I walk this earth like a God. That's who I am. I'm world champion now and she's staying right there with me.
"You go and do your training and preparation for what you think you can do on April 9. It's just another fight to me that I'll be in shape for. You better be ready."
The Gloves Are Off is now available to watch On Demand.
Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua, live on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9, is available to order online.
