Anthony Joshua made light work of Charles Martin to claim the IBF world heavyweight title, sending the defending champion to the canvas twice in round two before the referee brought a swift end to the fight Some doubted if this fight was the right move for Anthony Joshua, worried that the challenger could be found wanting for experience or ability, thrust into a world title fight so early in his career. Those doubts were fading within seconds, and before long they were extinguished completely.
Anthony Joshua had the champion on the back foot immediately, testing him with a series of early right-handers. It seemed only a matter of time before he connected, and when he did – less than 60 seconds into round two – the fight was over. Charles Martin was sent to the canvas, a look of incredulity across his face.
The champion barely beat the referee’s count, and seconds later, he was back on the deck, thanks to another clinical right hander. It was an underwhelming defence, but that was at least in part down to a calm, composed start that gave Martin nowhere to go, allowing his raw power to get the job done with breathtaking speed.
All else aside, Anthony Joshua has become a world heavyweight champion in 16 fights and 34 rounds. Believe the hype. Thanks for joining me. Goodnight.
Anthony Joshua beats Charles Martin in two to take IBF world heavyweight title
Britain’s Anthony Joshua needed only two rounds at the O2 Arena to claim the IBF heavyweight world title, stopping Charles Martin
I should add that Martin looked unhappy after that second count, and there are suggestions he miscounted. I don’t think it would have mattered a great deal either way.
Anthony Joshua speaks!
““I ain’t gonna get too carried away. Every heavyweight has power, but it’s about speed. I showed him levels, I said I would. There’ll probably be some negativity, people saying Martin was easy, but a few days ago he was this big dangerous southpaw.”
That’s more of a dig at the critics than Martin, who Joshua is quick to applaud for coming over to London – even though it hasn’t worked out for him. The new champion is not one for bigging himself up, but there’s definitely a defiant edge here.
“I don’t take nonsense from no-one, but I’m humble... all the hype is good for everyone in boxing. Get behind every boxer, not just myself. They’ve been calling me out since last year… I’m going to keep grinding, keep working… when I step into the ring, I’ll be ready.”
Are you listening, Tyson?
Charles Martin’s face, sitting up on the canvas after walking straight into that first right, was an absolute picture. He’d never taken a punch like that in his life, and there was no coming back. Martin won the belt in three rounds, and lost it in two.
Anthony Joshua is the IBF heavyweight champion of the world!
The O2 is an absolute cauldron, every Joshua hit drawing a huge roar. Early in round two, a right hand from Joshua connects – and Martin is down! He looks totally dazed, barely beating the count... and Joshua pounces instantly, ruthlessly, to send the champion back to the floor. The referee ends the fight inside two rounds!
Seconds out, round one... Joshua in the blue corner, Martin in the red. The referee, Belgium’s Jean-Pierre van Imschoot, brings the fighters together to touch gloves. It’s on!
Joshua moves with a left jab, and misses with a right-hander. Martin is reluctant to step in, keeping his left raised. He has an advantage on range, but Joshua is cautious too. A right-hander does connect, and another, exploiting Martin’s upright stance. A couple of swings from Martin, and Joshua lands another right! A tentative start, but that’s Joshua’s round.
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