Charles Martin's time at the top of the heavyweight division was short-lived, but now he's on the road to win another world heavyweight title.
It's been two years since Martin, then the IBF heavyweight champion, was knocked out by Anthony Joshua in the second round in Martin's first title defense. Since then, Martin put together a two-fight win streak in 2017 and is getting a big test in his next fight.
Martin will be facing rising, undefeated heavyweight contender Adam Kownacki in the televised opener of the September 8 Showtime Championship Boxing card in a fight that could elevate the winner into title contention. In a recent conference call, Martin spoke to Fightful on the stakes involved in his upcoming fight against the Polish star.
Both men are currently in the top 10 in the WBC rankings and a win for either man would put him one step closer to challenging for the heavyweight title currently being held by Deontay Wilder. Despite Martin being Kownacki's most accomplished opponent as a pro, Martin said he's not looking past Kownacki.
“Yeah possibly, but I’m not really looking past my opponent. I’m right on the money, you know what I mean? I have to take care of Adam Kownacki first before anything else,” Martin said.
Also on the conference call, Martin was asked regarding what is left for him to do in his career after having won a world heavyweight title. Martin said his goal is to now get another title.
“I want to be a two-time world champion. I’m here to show people that I’m legit and real. I want to prove people wrong," Martin said.
The heavyweight fight will be a part of a televised tripleheader, taking place in Brooklyn's Barclays Center, that will be headlined by the WBC welterweight title fight between Danny Garcia and Shawn Porter.
