Joshua: I'm a better man than Martin

Omnisports

April 5, 2016 6:03 AM

The IBF world heavyweight belt is on the line, and Anthony Joshua is convinced he is the better man than Charles Martin.

___4881868___https:______static.pulse.com.gh___webservice___escenic___binary___4881868___2016___4___5___15___anthonyjoshua-cropped_1srwv4obakxx01g2ov4m2kmtn4

Anthony Joshua is putting faith in the age-old saying that the "better man will win" ahead of his IBF World Heavyweight title fight against reigning champion Charles Martin.

Joshua has earned his shot at the title just three years after turning professional and will need to maintain his 100 per cent record thus far to take the belt from Martin's grasp.

Joshua has a 15-0 record with 15 knockouts, while Martin has held the title since January when he beat Vyacheslav Glazkov after the belt was stripped from Tyson Fury and boasts a record of 23 wins and one draw from 24 fights.

But while Martin has boxed far more pro rounds and Joshua struggles to see many weaknesses in his game, the English challenger simply believes he is the better man.

"When I look at Charles Martin the individual, it's not that I see weaknesses, but I feel I'm the better man," he said.

"They always say the better man will win on the night and I feel confident of winning.

"The fact that the IBF championship comes with it gives it that much more kudos and attention."

Joshua admitted, however, that the opportunity came quicker than he had expected.

"When the opportunity came, I was looking at various opponents, the majority of them American," he explained.

"Some are in the top 10, some have fought or are contending at world level, so they were very tough opponents as well.

"I wanted to show I could go against a good contender and defeat them with ease, so when Charles Martin came along I took away the fact that he is IBF heavyweight champion of the world.

"When I look at this fight itself, it's no problem. I'll take this fight with both hands and that's how I managed it in terms of my confidence for this fight."

And Joshua said should he take the belt of Martin a fight against one of fellow Brits Fury or former WBA heavyweight champion David Haye.

"It has to happen, it's a big deal," he said.

"These fights are going to happen sooner or later, I can't shy away from it.

"I have to train for Charles Martin but I have to train for 10 fights ahead of Charles Martin because it's only going to get tougher and that's why I have to have that confidence that I'll beat Charles Martin because I want to go beyond that level."

Joshua will fight Martin at the O2 Arena in London on April 9.

Enhance Your Pulse News Experience!

Get rewards worth up to $20 when selected to participate in our exclusive focus group. Your input will help us to make informed decisions that align with your needs and preferences.

I've got feedback!

Omnisports