Joshua: Preview of Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua for the IBF world heavyweight title
Saturday 9 April 2016 23:03, UK
Your one-stop preview of Charles Martin's IBF world heavyweight title defence against Anthony Joshua at The O2 on Saturday.
Background
In just his 16th professional bout, London's knockout sensation has the chance to add the IBF world heavyweight title to his Olympic super-heavyweight gold medal. Standing in his way is a towering and unbeaten American southpaw in Charles Martin.
Although some of his fans fear Joshua's inexperience and Martin's power, most expect a stacked card of boxing to climax in glory for the fighting pride of Watford.
Relations between champion and challenger have been pleasant throughout with neither fighter fond of 'trash talk' - but when the first bell goes that mutual respect will count for nothing. With Joshua's record a flawless run of knockouts and Martin stopping all but two of his 23 victims, fireworks seem inevitable.
What the fighters say
What the camps say
What the experts say
It's a good fight and I can't say 100 per cent what's going to happen but I'd slightly favour Martin. I think there'll be a stoppage either way.
I think Joshua wins on points. Don't get me wrong, he could wipe Martin out - but I hope his trainer is telling him to 'box and move' and beat this guy on points.
Martin knows he's never been that deep in a fight and so they'll try to get him into the later rounds. Anybody would be mad to try and mix it with AJ early on, so I see Joshua stopping him in eight rounds.
If Martin is too hesistant, Joshua will take him out, and that's what I see happening. Once Martin gets hurt, he'll make mistakes, and that's where the crisp punching of Joshua will make the difference in the middle rounds.
The weigh-in
Martin: 17st 7lbs
Joshua: 17st 6lbs
The time draws near...
Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua is live on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9. Order the event online now.
Also on the bill, Lee Selby v Eric Hunter, Jamie McDonnell v Fernando Vargas, George Groves v David Brophy, Matthew Macklin v Brian Rose, Conor Benn v Ivailo Boyanov and Ohara Davies v Andy Keates.
