Charles Martin feels he’s now matured as a fighter after dropping his IBF heavyweight belt in the very first defense to Anthony Joshua in April 2016 and only fighting twice since.
The 32 year-old was brutally taken out in the United Kingdom with Joshua taking just two rounds to get the job done and Martin took just three rounds to dispatch of his 2017 opponents after recovering from being shot in the forearm the year prior.
Returning for his first action of this year, Martin believes he’s much better equipped as the American bids to secure another shot at the world title in 2019.
Martin vs Kownacki
“I can’t wait. I’ve been training hard, doing what I got to do, staying focused, and I’m looking to put on a big show come September 8th and you know keep going up those rankings, trying to get back to my belts. But I know it’s going to be a tough fight and that’s what I am training for, so we’ll see nothing new,” said Martin.
“I want to show what I can really do in the sport, so I’m just here to show people my skills and that’s what I am going to do on September 8th. I got some stuff to prove so that’s what it is.
Asked if he thinks the winner of his fight with Adam Kownacki will be right in line for a title shot, Martin replied: “Yes, possibly, but I’m never looking past my opponents. So I’m right on the money. I got to take care of Adam Kownacki first before anything.
“He is a good fighter with a lot of heart. He is winning because he is a good fighter. I’m just saying he is a good fighter.
“But I’m prepared for everything you can possibly think of. I’m coming to minimize everything he brings, that’s what we are working on.”
Matured
On the 2018 version of Charles Martin compared to the 2016 one that crumbled against Joshua, ‘The Prince’ added: “I’m more mature, I’m grown. I’m a grown man.
“So we’re ready when I get in that ring. When I work out, when I go to training, I’m serious about what I do. I’m taking my craft seriously, so that’s what’s the difference. I’ve grown.
“I’ve come in to win, come in to make a statement. I’m bringing devastation.
“No predictions. I like to prove it and I like to show it. Let me show it, no predictions.
“As far as taking the fight it didn’t matter where we fought, but I love fighting in Brooklyn. I like the Barclays Center big stage, so I am looking forward to it.
“It’s just who we are fighting with, you got to fight somebody. I haven’t been in the ring often recently but I’ve been in camps and working every day. We have been working really hard,” he concluded.
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