Prince 'Charles' Martin believes he can become a world heavyweight champion again ahead of Efe Ajagba fight
'Prince' Charles Martin returns against Efe Ajagba on the Zuffa Boxing main event at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Sunday; the former IBF champion has welcomed another fight in Britain despite his defeat to Anthony Joshua; Martin believes he can become a heavyweight champion again
Tuesday 10 February 2026 07:21, UK
'Prince' Charles Martin believes he has 'unfinished business' in boxing.
The former IBF world heavyweight champion returns against Efe Ajagba in the Zuffa Boxing main event at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas on Sunday.
In recent years, Martin was a punch away from an early stoppage of Luis Ortiz, while he first exposed frailties in big-punching prospect Jared Anderson, but the American does not want to be remembered for gallant defeats.
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"I definitely have unfinished business in boxing," Martin told Sky Sports.
"It is my goal to become two-time heavyweight champion. Obviously, beating Efe Ajagba will be a step in the right direction."
Ajagba battled to a draw with Martin Bakole last May and was floored in his only loss, a points defeat to Frank Sanchez in 2021, but Martin knows it would be rash to discount a fellow heavy-handed fighter.
"I don't know if he showed vulnerability [against Frank Sanchez]," Martin told Sky Sports.
"Anyone can get stunned in boxing. Efe is a strong opponent, but I am in great shape and will be looking for the KO."
Martin was named as a possible opponent for Moses Itauma, Britain's red-hot prospect who has been touted as the next ruler of the top division, although the fight failed to materialise.
"I really wanted to fight Moses," said Martin.
"First we were going to do it in UK, then I heard they wanted to bring Moses to the US.
"For whatever reason, it didn't happen. I feel like I am in a great spot right now with Zuffa and [its founder and CEO] Dana White."
Martin's reign as IBF king was cut short by a stoppage loss to Anthony Joshua at The O2 in London, over a decade ago, but that experience has not dissuaded him from making a return to Britain.
He said: "Once I beat Efe, I definitely think you will see me in the UK again.
"I am grateful to be a part of Zuffa Boxing, who are staging fights around the world.
"I am looking forward to being active and closing out my career with the biggest fights possible and another world title."
Mike Borao, Martin's manager, says the 39-year-old can still secure another career-defining fight.
"Charles is big, strong, charismatic, and makes exciting fights," Borao told Sky Sports. "The one thing that has been missing in his career is activity - he'll get that with Dana White and Zuffa Boxing.
"Charles can still do big things in the division, but it all starts with Efe Ajagba, February 15."
'Prince' Charles agrees and hopes for his own heavyweight succession.
"I am only boxing because I want to be two-time champion.
"I want to become the first Zuffa heavyweight champion. I think that would be a great legacy along with my IBF title."
