Martin: Klitschko Will Break Down Pulev, Then KO Him

By Carlos Boogs

BoxingScene caught up with undefeated American heavyweight contender 'Prince' Charles Martin (18-0-1, 16KOs) to discuss his upcoming bout on CBS Sports, Klitschko vs. Pulev, and more.

BoxingScene: It was announced yesterday that CBS Sports Network is getting into boxing and you will be headlining their inaugural event on December 13.

Martin:  Yeah, it's exciting.  I am looking forward to fighting on CBS Sports. The more boxing that's shown on TV, the better it is for the sport.

BoxingScene:  Do you know who you are fighting?

Martin: Don't know. Don't care.  I leave that to my promoter, manager, and coaches. Whoever my Team chooses is fine with me.   But I am looking to go some rounds, and that's the only request that I made.  I want someone who will take me into the later rounds.

BoxingScene: You are ranked #11 in the IBF and #7 by the WBO, so you could be in the championship mix soon. Will you be watching Klitschko vs. Pulev and who do you think will win?

Martin:  I think Klitschko will probably stop Pulev in the later rounds.  Klitschko gets criticised for his style, but he's been dominant for the past10 years.  He's one of the best heavyweights in history, and that's why I got to fight him.  To be the best, you have to beat the best.  I don't want to fight Klitschko for a payday, like all these other guys out there do, I want to fight him and beat him. I don't care about the money, I want the belts and the glory.  Money will come along with that.  The worst thing for me is if Klitschko retires and I don't get a chance to fight him.  Winning a vacant title ain't the same as beating Klitschko.

Boxingscene:  Klitschko just signed a deal with HBO and people in the industry are speculating that he might fight in the United States early next year.

Martin:  Well, then I hope they call me.  Even though he is one of the best of all time and I respect him as champion, I don't think Klitschko is as mentally strong as people may think.  He's really, really disiplined and smart and I think that's why he keeps winning - but there's a difference. He don't like to get dirty and grimy in a fight. You got to make it a brawl and take him out of his comfort zone.  You got all these guys trying to outbox Klitschko and nobody is going to outbox Klitschko, you got to outfight him. That's why Pulev won't win, he don't have the firepower to make Klitschko uneasy, so Klitschko will slowly break him down and knock him out. You gotta make it a street fight. I will tell you one thing, if we fight, it won't be boring. 

BoxingScene: What's next after December 13?

Martin: I'm not looking past defending my NABO title on the 13th, but 2015 will be my year.  If I get my wish, I'll be fighting other guys in the top ten.  I am starting to understand that boxing is very political and other rated guys are waiting around for the best opportunity and don't really want to take risks, so there is no point in chasing those guys.  I'll stay patient, because I know I'll shine when my time comes.

BoxingScene: Thanks, Charles.

Martin: Thank you.  Hit me up on Twitter @stprincecharles.