Former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin is ready to get back on the horse and chase down a big fight in his division.

Back in January, Martin was involved in a six round shootout with dangerous Cuban puncher Luis Ortiz in an IBF world title eliminator.

Martin dropped Ortiz twice, before getting knocked out in the sixth when Ortiz caught him cold.

It marked the second knockout loss in Martin's career.

Martin, 36-years-old fought COVID-19 in the aftermath of the fight and is now looking to get back in the mix.

"I woke up the morning after the fight with a fever and tested positive for Covid after the fight. That's life. Me and my family ended up being quarantined in a hotel. It sucked, but at least we all did okay and my little ones didn't get real sick. That's all that matters," Martin told Sky Sports.

Martin's name is still being mentioned as a potential comeback opponent for former heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder.

"I can't look in the rear view mirror. That's no way to live life. I didn't fight in two years and was tired in the fight [with Ortiz], and I never get tired in a fight," said Martin.

"I've been chilling with the family and spending lots of time with my twin babies since my last fight, and it's been great. I will be back in the gym with [trainer] Manny [Robles] this month and hope to get back in the ring late July or August. I tried to get in with Derek Chisora July 9, but they told my people he didn't want to fight no southpaws.

"I am still ranked in the top 10 [by the IBF], so there are lots of fights for me - Deontay Wilder, Andy Ruiz, a rematch with Adam Kownacki. I'll get something, the bigger the better."