Skip to content
Home » Charles Martin: Anthony Joshua fight not rigged, better man won

Charles Martin: Anthony Joshua fight not rigged, better man won

Martin has been accused of staying down unnecessarily in some quarters following a crushing straight right hand by Joshua that ultimately ended their O2 Arena contest in the second round.

Addressing those comments, the American simply stated that he was beaten by the better fighter on the night and aims to regain a version of the world championship after dropping his status in the very first defense.

“Everyone (needs to know) that the fight was not rigged. (Anthony Joshua) was the better man that night and I was dealing with many distractions prior to the fight. My head was not there,” said Martin.

“Plain and simple I will be back. I am the real deal, but just that night didn’t prove it. My body was in the ring, but mentally I was not there. I am sorry. And for the record, anyone could have beat Charles Martin that night.

Martin went on: “No excuses as I don’t want to take away from Joshua, but it just wasn’t me and everyone can see that. Maybe I just took the fight too soon.

“My head was somewhere else. Buy I ain’t crying over spilled milk. Congrats to Joshua, but I’ll be back. I will prove that was a fluke, gain another belt and see Joshua again soon.

“Nothing I can say will change people’s minds, but that was not me in there. I beat myself, but I’m not one to make excuses so I’ll be back,” he promised.

Joshua is now being linked to fights against Tyson Fury and David Haye in 2017, whilst Martin faces a rebuilding job that could begin for the self-professed ‘Prince’ as early as this summer.