Saturday, April 9, reigning IBF Heavyweight Champion “Prince” Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) will make his first title defense in hostile territory against Watford, UK native and 2012 Olympic gold medalist Anthony Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs), at the sold-out O2 Arena in London, Engand.
The highly anticipated showdown is slated to air live in the UK on Sky Sports Box Office HD (Channel 492) with an estimated start time of 10:30PM BST, and live in the US on Showtime International Boxing with coverage beginning at 5PM ET/2PM PT.
(Image courtesy of Sky Sports)
Odds: Although the visiting champion will enter the ring as the notable betting underdog, currently sitting at (+355) at the time of publication, the 29 year old American is supremely confident that he will keep the coveted IBF strap around his waist and brutally stop the unbeaten, hometown favorite (-450) by way of vicious KO.
Will the champ’s bold prediction come to fruition, or will the Anthony Joshua Express continue to pick up momentum on the fast track to super-stardom?
Let’s examine the “Keys to Victory” for both Heavyweight combatants!!
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Joshua vs Martin – Head to head
“Prince” Charles Martin (23-0-1, 21 KOs) – The 29 year old St. Louis, USA, native fights out of the southpaw position, stands 6’5″ in the center of the ring, and works behind an 80″ reach. The athletically gifted Heavyweight is a sharp counterpuncher who predominately uses his footwork to control range, while utilizing a long, rangy jab and a wicked right hook to set up his sneaky, left-hand missile. Although the visiting champion’s physical and mental durability has seldom been tested in 24 professional fights, both are critical, often overlooked intangibles which will have to be on point if he wishes to retain the IBF strap and emerge victorious amidst 20,000 British fight fans.
To be successful against a murderous and explosive puncher like Anthony Joshua, the defending title holder will have to use his jab and footwork to control range, consistently moving to his right, while frequently turning the challenger; keeping him at angles and setting traps for his customarily aggressive opponent.
Because Joshua doesn’t usually implement a lot of upper body and head movement while cutting off the ring and closing the distance, Martin would be wise to take advantage of the hometown favorite’s occasional lapses in defense by using plenty of right hand feints, and pot-shot the Briton with the straight left hand. Possibly follow it up with the right hook while spinning out of range, to his right and away from a potential right hand counter.
If the challenger effectively closes the distance and pushes Martin back into a corner or against the ropes, the champion absolutely must tie-up his opponent, forcing the referee in charge to create distance between the two fighters.
If the visiting American fighter can successfully implement these “Keys to Victory”, Prince Charles Martin will retain the coveted IBF Heavyweight distinction and possibly stop his highly touted challenger!!
Anthony Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs) – The 26 year old juggernaut from Watford fights out of an orthodox position, stands 6’6″ tall in the center of the ring, and works behind an 82″ reach.
The tenacious Heavyweight is possibly the most powerful and explosive puncher in the entire division and is considered by many to be the most promising young fighter in boxing. Although Anthony Joshua doesn’t have many overall rounds boxed on his resume, he more than makes up for the lack of professional experience with confidence, athleticism and devastating one-punch KO power.
The 2012 Olympic gold medalist is proficient at working behind the jab, using footwork to maneuver his way into punching range, and throwing in combination to the body and head once he gets there. But like the reigning title holder, Joshua’s mental and physical durability has gone largely untested.
With the exception of a close call in the 2nd round of his most recent outing against amateur nemesis Dillian Whyte, the hard punching Briton hasn’t experienced much resistance as a professional.
Because the heavily favored challenger owns a resume riddled with quick, knock-out victories, it’s imperative that Anthony Joshua remember to respect the incumbent champion’s power and ability when attempting to launch an attack. To become a world champion on Saturday night, the hometown favorite absolutely must move his upper body and head while using a series of feints and sporadic jabs when he moves forward and closes the distance.
The reigning champion is a sharp, counter-punching southpaw who will be looking for opportunities to land while Joshua is trying to cut off the ring. He must do something to disrupt Martin’s timing and rhythm while moving into punching range or he could get caught with the straight left hand down the middle.
Because “Prince” Charles also possesses a very keen understanding of range, and will often elect to lean on his back foot to avoid incoming fire, Anthony would be wise to target the champ’s stomach and chest before launching an attack to the title holder’s chin. Once Joshua is successful in closing the distance, then he can begin to open up with explosive combinations to the body and head at short range.
If Anthony Joshua can remember to respect the power and ability of his opponent, while using good defensive fundamentals when closing the distance, he could see many opportunities to land effectively on the inside, and ultimately become the new IBF Heavyweight Champion in front of 20,000 of his most ardent supporters!!
Joshua vs Martin prediction, critical intangible: Although there are several unanswered questions about both competing fighters, it’s conceivable the raucous, pro-Joshua crowd of 20,000 plus could be a big factor in determining the outcome of this highly anticipated Heavyweight title fight.
Will the visiting champion be able to stay poised while competing in hostile territory? I believe the crowd, coupled with the challenger’s relentless and explosive fight style, will prove to be too much for the inexperienced champion.
Anthony Joshua TKO 3 over Charles Martin
Please share your thoughts on the above prediction and offer yours.
