Joshua: Anthony Joshua gives weigh-in message to Charles Martin
Saturday 9 April 2016 08:31, UK
Anthony Joshua had a few parting words for the smiling IBF champion Charles Martin at the weigh-in for their world title fight.
The two heavyweights went head-to-head for the final time before Saturday's fight, which is live on Sky Sports Box Office.
Joshua was greeted by cheers from the large crowd as he took to the stage first at The O2 and looked in his usual peak condition while tipping the scales at 17st 6lbs.
The IBF champion received jeers when he joined Joshua and weighed in just a pound heavier at 17st 7lbs.
Both men then posed for the customary face-off, with Martin smiling and chewing a tooth pick, before he offered a few words to Joshua and Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn.
Joshua replied to the American, offering a handshake, and revealed details of their verbal exchange on Sky Sports News HQ.
He said: "I asked how he was feeling. Camp's over. Let's put on a good show. I was just spurring him on for a good show on Saturday night. It's a pleasure to be bringing big-time boxing back to the UK.
"There are a few butterflies of course. I'll just rest tonight and perform, then chat to you guys after and hopefully I'll have the win. I see myself coming out and outclassing him."
Asked if the fight will end in a knockout, Joshua replied: "Yeah, 110 per cent."
Martin was unimpressed by the challenger's athletic physique and vowed to show his mental toughness when the first bell rings.
"That's my belt, I just won it and I ain't done having fun with it," said Martin. "We're all ready to get up in his head tomorrow. It's the heart of this man here, that's what is going to win this fight. You can train all you want - that's just conditioning and doesn't win fights.
"Conditioning is a recipe but it's the heart [that wins fights]."
Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua is live on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9. Order the event online now.
