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Joshua: Preview of Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua for the IBF world heavyweight title

Charles Martin (L) defends his world title against Anthony Joshua
Image: Charles Martin (L) defends his world title against Anthony Joshua

Your one-stop preview of Charles Martin's IBF world heavyweight title defence against Anthony Joshua at The O2 on Saturday.

Martin vs Joshua
Martin vs Joshua

Book the Sky Sports Box Office event online here

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.

Charles Martin v Anthony Joshua
Image: Charles Martin v Anthony Joshua
Physical measurements - Martin vs Joshua
Image: Physical measurements - Martin vs Joshua

What the fighters say

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IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin is confident

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Why Anthony Joshua feels he has the edge over Charles Martin

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Charles Martin promises a knockout

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Anthony Joshua is expecting a heavy hitting fight

What the camps say

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Charles Martin's trainer Henry Tillman warns Anthony Joshua

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Tony Sims admitted that Anthony Joshua can't fight on emotion

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Charles Martin's camp manager Paul Cain is positive

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Eddie Hearn believes Anthony Joshua can be a superstar

What the experts say

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Glenn McCrory feels the step up may be too soon
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.
Peter Fury
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.
Carl Froch
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.
Glenn McCrory
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.
Johnny Nelson

The weigh-in

Martin: 17st 7lbs

Charles Martin weighed in heavier than Anthony Joshua
Image: Charles Martin weighed in heavier than Anthony Joshua

Joshua: 17st 6lbs

Anthony Joshua salutes the crowd after weighing in
Image: Anthony Joshua salutes the crowd after weighing in

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The head-to-head

The time draws near...

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Take a look at our promo for the big fight

Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua is live on Sky Sports Box Office on April 9. Order the event online now.

Also See:

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.

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