By Ben Jacobs
Charles Martin (22-0-1, 20 KOs) will attempt to become the IBF heavyweight champion of the world when he squares off with Vyacheslav Glazkov (21-0-1, 13 KOs) this Saturday night at the Barclays Center in New York. Camp Coordinator Paul Cain spoke to BoxingScene.com last week about his man’s huge opportunity and expressed his firm belief that Glazkov simply won’t be able to defeat the Missouri native.
Glazkov is going to be backing off when he feels Charles’ punches,” Cain predicted.
“The size difference will be huge. He’s not an out of shape 250lbs, he’s an in shape 250lbs. We were in Colorado Springs for seven weeks, then Big Bear for two weeks. We told him to do what he wants for two weeks but on Christmas Day he was working out, he was in Big Bear with three sparring partners. There is no way he gets beat. I think he’s the next heavyweight champion with the IBF.
“It won’t be easy because Glazkov is unbeaten and he has never been down. He was an Olympian. But I think that being 6’5, 250lbs, big reach, a southpaw, he’s in great shape and he’s got a good chin. I just see him as the champ.”
Cain, originally from Liverpool, England but based in California for many years, was pleased the IBF acted swiftly following the agreement between Tyson Fury and Wladimir Klitschko to engage in a rematch.
“Yes (I was pleased), otherwise we would have fought Dominic Breazeale. They know each other well as they’re from the same program. I was in Michael King’s program with him when I was the general manager. It would have been a cagey fight as they both know each other. They sparred every day for nearly five years.”
Martin’s manager, Mike Borao has moved the heavyweight along the path to a world title shot, including a startling eleven fights in 2013.
“We kept Charles real busy, every fight he got better and he has beaten previously unbeaten guys along the way, he took care of them no problem. He’s a special kid.
“We’re not thinking about massive fights after this, it’s all about Glazkov, he’s completely focused, he’s in good spirts and training well. He’s got a full camp of sparring partners and he’s loving it up there in Big Bear at Abel Sanchez’s gym.”
Paul also had some positive words for another heavyweight, fellow Liverpudlian David Price who has been unfortunate in that after his last defeat to Erkan Teper, it was later revealed that Teper was using performance enhancing drugs.
“I think David’s career can be brought back on track, he still has a big career ahead of him. The Sauerlands are friends of mine. I think David’s a special talent and there are massive fights out there for him. He’s taking a break but I think he’ll be back.”
