Charles Martin Has Plan To Secure World Title Shot This Year
By
Boxing Clever
Published On Wed Jan 8, 2020, 02:29 AM EST
Former IBF heavyweight champion ‘Prince’ Charles Martin (27-2-1, 24 KOs) has a big plan for 2020, to secure another world title shot before the year is over.
Martin lost his world title when he was stopped in two rounds by Anthony Joshua back in April of 2016.
Since then he's gone 4-1 in his last five fights, with the defeat coming at the hands of Adam Kownacki by way of decision.
Martin's manager, Mike Borao, says the current plan is to face two contenders ranked in the top 15 before placing their focus on a world title opportunity before the end of the year.
Joshua holds the WBO, WBA, IBF, IBO world titles. And Deontay Wilder has the WBC's strap. There are other titles floating round, with Dillian Whyte holding the WBC's interim-title and Manuel Charr having the WBA's "regular" title.
Another angle is Joshua currently being ordered to make two mandatory defenses. Depending on what happens, one or two titles could become vacant.
"2020 is the year that Charles makes another title run," Borao said to Sky Sports. "The idea is two bouts against top 15 [ranked opponents] by late summer followed by a shot at a likely fragmented world title by the year's end.
"We are looking at top 15 names in all organisations. Hopefully we will have sorted it out within the next week or two. The date is most likely in March, but we are working that out now."
Martin had explained in a past interview that he lost his love for the sport - and is now ready and focused to get back on track.
You become a king overnight. From a pawn to a king. Life changes, you know? I lost the love for a while but now I'm back. I got too comfortable, and you must never be too comfortable. Every day you need to wake up to learn. If you're not learning anymore, you need to get out," Martin said.
"I'm a champion with a champion's mentality and a champion's spirit. I am not a normal person. I knew what I had to do, and I did it. I overcome things. It has made me stronger. I'm happy that I've endured these things. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger."