This could be the Anthony Joshua fight we’ve all been waiting for.
The talented 6ft 6in British heavyweight could be set to challenge for the IBF world title against Charles Martin.
We reported that the unbeaten American world champ had called out Joshua – but his promoter Eddie Hearn has now said that they’re doing everything they can to actually make the fight on April 9.
Today was supposed to be the day the unbeaten Brit’s opponent for the o2 Arena bout was announced – but it looks like this serious offer from new IBF champion Martin has taken everyone by surprise.
Martin said he would fly to London to take on Joshua in his own back yard – but Hearn said the 29-year-old wants ‘extortionate money’ for the fight.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Matchroom Sport promoter said: “He’s IBF world champion and he’s been calling Anthony Joshua out. It shows the size of Anthony Joshua, you’ve got a world champion there calling Anthony Joshua out.
“He’s made some noise saying: ‘We’ve offered Anthony Joshua the fight.’ It doesn’t really work like that. You phoned us up and told us you want an extortionate amount of money and then you’ll fight him so we’re working the numbers on that fight.”
It would be a huge step up for British and Commonwealth Joshua to take a shot at the world title this early in his career.
Suggestions that Joshua should gain more experience before making such big steps are swirling and the promotion are fully aware and appreciative.
But Hearn said: “It’s the 16th fight of Anthony Joshua’s career. Is it too early? It’s a huge gamble. Two relatively inexperienced guys. I think Charles Martin is 6ft 5in and Anthony’s 6ft 6in. They both punch with immense power. It’s one of those you might have to watch through your fingers.
“Anthony Joshua wants the challenges. Sometimes it’s difficult to win a world heavyweight title. Now you have a guy who appears to be prepared to come to London on April 9 so we have to take it seriously.
“He’s not our only option. We’ve got three or four others that we’re looking at but over the next 48 hours, we’ll find out exactly where we’re at. Could it be a shot at the world heavyweight title? Just maybe…”
