By Scott Gilfoid: IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) says he’s ready to go into the O2 Arena in London, UK and make the arena his on Saturday night when he defends his IBF strap against unproven challenger Anthony Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs).
Some would say the 26-year-old Joshua is undeserving of a world title shot at this point in his still green career, but Martin decided to give him a shot anyway despite his shaky resume of less than stellar opposition.
Martin, 29, obviously made the decision to throw a bone to Joshua due to him being a pay-per-view attraction in the UK, where his fights are now routinely televised on Sky Box Office PPV. That’s a negative for Joshua’s loyal boxing fans, because it’s likely they’re going to need to pay to see him fight on PPV for the remainder of his career if he can show that he’s capable of being a top fighter in the sport.