Anthony Joshua could be fighting for a world title sooner than he thinks.
The 26-year-old has barely begun polishing his British belt but he has been called out by current IBF world champion Charles Martin.
The American heavyweight is after a high profile fight – but fellow heavyweight champions Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury are both already booked up.
The 29-year-old’s manager Mike Barao confirmed they are in talks with Joshua’s camp about a mouth-watering clash between the two unbeaten bangers.
Joshua is definitely set to fight at the 02 Arena in London on April 9, but his promoter Eddie Hearn has yet to announce his opponent.
But Martin looks willing to fly over to London and put his belt on the line against the Watford fighter.
“I can confirm that Charles Martin is willing to fight Joshua April 9 in London,” Borao told World Boxing News.
“Charles wants to make a statement in his first defence and wanted a Wilder or Fury unification.
“Both are busy with mandatory and contracted fights with Povetkin and Klitschko, so Joshua is the next best thing.
“Joshua is immensely popular in the UK and a fight with Martin makes a lot of sense, I believe.”
Everyone wants a crack at Joshua at the moment, with unbeaten New Zealand heavyweight Joseph Parker calling him out and an all-British fight with Dereck Chisora potentially on the cards for the vacant European belt.
All eyes will be on Eddie Hearn’s Twitter feed in the coming days to see who Joshua will face on April 9.
