CHARLES MARTIN still has the goal of winning another heavyweight belt.
At the age of 24lame pants the Americans won the version of the IBF seven years ago with a third inning victory over Vyacheslav Glazkov. That win put him on the radar of Anthony Joshua and his promoter Eddie Hearn, who were looking for a piece of cake on their own.
Three months later, Martin was in London to defend the 2012 Olympic gold medalist for the first time. Midway through the second half, the reign of ‘Prince Charles’ was over and England had a new boxing hero.
Seven years later Martin 29-3-1 (26) is preparing to face rising heavyweight star Jared Anderson. The top division is backing Anderson all the way and many agree that the Toledo talent has what it takes to break the top in boxing’s biggest tournament.
In January 2022, Martin lost to longtime rival Luis Ortiz and is now tasked with ruining Anderson’s homecoming trip to Toledo’s Huntington Center on July 1. The 37-year-old was brought on with as replacement for original rival Zhan Kossobutskiy after Kazakhstan was forced to withdraw because of visa problems.
Anderson is the favorite to beat Martin and will attempt to complete 15 of the 15 finishes early in front of his home fans. If the veteran wants to fulfill his ambition to win another heavyweight belt, a victory over Anderson is a must.
“I’ve always said I would fight anyone, anywhere, anytime,” Martin said.
“If I have to fight for less than two weeks for a big chance, so be it. I am ready. And since I can’t get the best of my generation to fight me, I’ll fight the best of the new generation. My goal is to be a two-time heavyweight champion. I have to beat Jared Anderson to accomplish my goal.”
