Lennox Lewis: Joshua Not Ready For Tyson Fury or David Haye
Apr 11, 2016 • 5:57 AM ET
LONDON - Britain's Anthony Joshua won the IBF world heavyweight title on Saturday with a sensational second round knockout of outclassed American rival Charles Martin.
Olympic champion Joshua, 26, had Martin on the canvas twice in the second round to record his 16th knockout in all 16 professional fights he has contested.
Joshua becomes the sixth British fighter to win a world heavyweight title.
"There'll probably be some negativity about how easy it is. But two days ago Charles Martin was a big, dangerous southpaw and he had the confidence to come over here and fight in the lion's den," said the new champion.
"All the hype is good for boxing, let's keep on pushing this sport. Keep on supporting us because it won't last forever."
Joshua needed only one minute and 32 seconds of the second round to end the defence of the American who was widely jeered when he entered the ring wearing a crown and velvet robes.
It was a fast and powerful right hand which delivered the final blow as Martin was left clearly dazed.
He was up on his feet but off them again soon after, with the hapless American failing to make the count.
Despite the claims of promoter Eddie Hearn of Matchroom Sport, retired heavyweight great Lennox Lewis believes Joshua is not ready to fight IBO/WBA/IBF world champion Tyson Fury or former two division champion David Haye.
Lewis said on Twitter: "Great showing by AJ to to lift IBF belt from this muppet, but he's still got a lot to learn and he knows he has to to do it as a titleholder.
"It's definitely not time to talk about AJ and Fury or Haye. He's coming along well, but this fight was just a good opportunity to grab a belt.
"I regard Tyson Fury as top of the heap right now. IBF shouldn't have stripped him and that's why the opportunity existed [for Joshua].
"I definitely can't blame AJ and his team for jumping into the opportunity though. Made sense.
"Let Joshua have his moment. It's great for British boxing and the fans. But also know that he is still a work in progress."
