Joshua: Charles Martin dismisses Anthony Joshua's Olympic achievement
Tuesday 5 April 2016 13:36, UK
Charles Martin claims Anthony Joshua was undeserving of his Olympic medal and insists he'll destroy the hype surrounding the Londoner.
IBF world champion Martin (23-0-1-KO21) takes on Joshua (15-0-KO15) at The O2 on Saturday - live on Sky Sports Box Office - and the American believes his opponent benefited from home decisions when he won the super-heavyweight gold medal in 2012.
In an exclusive interview, the 29-year-old Martin told Sky Sports: "He didn't really win that gold medal. I've seen all those fights. They babied him through it because it was in London and he's from London.
"He was gifted it. Go watch it. If he came up against a southpaw they'd spark him out. I'm going to love that [destroying the hype]. I'm sorry y'all."
One man seemingly keen to face the winner of the bout is 44-year-old former world champion Shannon Briggs, who continued his habit of gatecrashing heavyweight events when he showed up at Monday's media workout at York Hall.
On this occasion, though, 'The Cannon' appeared on good terms with both Martin and Joshua - and St Louis' Martin confirmed he is a long-time friend of the gregarious New Yorker.
Martin added: "Shannon is a hell of a character. He's older now. He still might have the fighter's heart and he can still do some stuff but he doesn't have the stamina anymore.
"I knew him way before I was even a champion. Shannon Briggs is a good guy. To me, anyway. He's not like that to everybody - he picks his people - but he and I have a mutual respect."
Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua, live on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9. Order the event online.
