Boxing: Anthony Joshua v Charles Martin: Can AJ Become A World Champion?

Saturday 9th April. 11PM. Sky Box Office

London is ready. The weeks of waiting are over and English shores will finally play host to its first world heavyweight bout in over a decade; the question on everyone’s lips is whether Anthony Joshua can deliver.

British boxing is on a high thanks to the success of Tyson Fury and return of David Haye, and fan favourite Joshua will be eager to vindicate the hype for he’s fast tracked career. But Charles Martin will provide the toughest challenge of the 26-year-old’s career, and will be determined to leave London with the belt still around his waist.

Both men are hellbent on a knockout. Expect a massive night of drama.

AJ Gunning For History

Joshua’s rise to the top has been simply sensational. In truth, this clash has come a little prematurely compared to what people were expecting, but it does afford him the chance to become the first man in history to win a world heavyweight title whilst being the reigning Olympic super heavyweight champion too.

The challenger might not boast the experience of other fighters on the world level, but his ability is clear for all to see. Even Joshua himself would conceded that he isn’t quite the finished article, but he has plenty of weapons amongst his arsenal, and it could be enough to see him realise the prophesies that many have been forecasting for the best part of half-a-decade.

AJ’s speed, power and sheer athleticism will make him a threat throughout, and he wouldn’t have taken this opportunity if he didn’t fancy his chances. He might not have fought that many professional fights, but nobody has been able to stop him thus far. Martin is likely to push him harder than anyone before yet the whole nation believes that the Watford-born superstar will clinch the title with knockout 16.

The O2 Arena will be in great voice too. They’ll just hope he can deliver.

Prince Charles Martin To Cement His Place In Boxing Royalty?

English boxing fans don’t know too much about ‘Prince’ Charles Martin, and many have dismissed the American as a paper champion due to the manner in which he won the title. But the American’s unbeaten record cannot be overlooked, and the powerful Southpaw has more than a fighting chance.

Martin called Joshua out on several occasions before this bout was finally confirmed, and the 29-year-old has vowed to win the British crowd over. His awkward stance will give AJ a huge test, and if he does rock the challenger, the champion is unlikely to make the mistake that Dillian Whyte.

There’s no question that Charles does offer step up in class, but the American isn’t quite on the level of Fury or Deontay Wilder. Martin certainly has weaknesses, and the speed of AJ could prove to make all the difference. Meanwhile, the champion will be stepping into unfamiliar territory as he has to battle the British crowd too.

If Martin can get on top early on, though, he could cause an upset by retaining the belt. It should be a fascinating watch from the first bell. You wouldn’t want to miss it for the world.

Anthony Joshua v Charles Martin Betting

Despite being the challenger, it’s Joshua who enter this title bout as the overwhelming favourite at odds of 1/6 with Bet365. Martin, meanwhile, can be backed at 4/1.

Before the main event, though, George Groves is back in action for the second time this year as he fights David Brophy, who has declared that he’ll shock the former world title challenger. In truth, though, this should be easy pickings for the Saint, who will be looking to be back on the world level ASAP.

We’re pretty confident that this will be over well inside the distance, but Groves might have to be patient once more. His class should shine through sooner or later, though, and we’re backing it to end in rounds 5-8.

As for the main event, the champion shouldn’t be ruled out completely. However, we do think AJ will get the job done to successfully take the next step towards reaching the very pinnacle.

If Martin catches Joshua, we could be in for an explosive contest. However, speed could give the challenger a real advantage. It shouldn’t take too long for that to show, and we’re backing him to have the belt around his waist before the halfway point.