Charles Martin Plans To Add Some Muscle For Joshua Defense

By Ryan Burton

Fresh off his January TKO victory over Czar Glaskov, newly crowned IBF heavyweight champion Charles "Prince" Martin (23-0-1) is back in camp preparing for his showdown against hot UK prospect Anthony Joshua (15-0). The fight takes place April 9th at the O2 Arena in London.

The 29-year-old Martin said he didn't take much time off before returning to training.

"We got right too it man. We are getting ready for April 9th.  I am already running and in shape. I am going to put on 10 pounds of muscle," Martin ststed.

With the world title comes added responsibility and Martin knows he is a wanted man with many of the division's top fighters aiming for his belt.  

"I am the world champion. That target is on my back. I know they are trying to get it but they ain't going to get it because it is mine," said Martin who is training in the high altitude of Big Bear California.

The IBF title that Martin won was vacated by Tyson Fury when he opted to face Wladimir Klitschko in a rematch instead of facing Glazkov. Because of that, a mandatory isn't due for quite some time and Martin could have faced a "safer" opponent for his voluntary defense instead of the 2012 Olympic super heavyweight gold medalist.

The 29-year-old Martin said that easy fights haven't crossed his mind and that he wants only big fights from this point on.

"I am of the elite and I want to fight the elite. I don't want to waste no time fighting bums and one-sided fights. That ain't my style.  I don't plan on lingering around in this sport at 40 years old still fighting. I am going to hit it, make a big impact and get out but I am going to make sure I fight all these people they think are the main guys. All these people they praising and are saying are the best thing since man. I am going to fight them and knock them out," Martin told BoxingScene.com.

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