Anthony Joshua knocks out Charles Martin for IBF heavyweight title
Anthony Joshua claimed his first world title in resounding fashion with a second-round knockout of Charles Martin on Saturday.
The 26-year-old heavyweight came into the fight as a heavy favorite and he did not disappoint, twice flooring Martin with a thudding right hand. Martin failed to answer the 10 count and Joshua was declared the new champion at 1:32 of the second round.
Charles Martin vs Anthony Joshua #MartinJoshua pic.twitter.com/2TKXyEMPB9
— ZombieProphet (@ZProphet_MMA) April 9, 2016
It was the 16th straight knockout win in as many appearances for Joshua, who thrilled an arena full of his countrymen in London, England. He joins Tyson Fury as one of two British fighters currently holding heavyweight belts.
Fury was forced to forfeit the IBF title in December as a planned rematch with Wladimir Klitschko left him unable to meet a mandatory challenger. The title has now found its way to Joshua and a unification bout between he and Fury seems certain to take place down the road.
Fury was less than complimentary in addressing Joshua's big win on Twitter:
So AJ gets a belt, looked slow ponderous, & still looked like a bodybuilder, let me slay the lamb
— Gypsy King (@Tyson_Fury) April 9, 2016
For now, Joshua can be content to add another accolade to a trophy case that includes the gold medal he won at the 2012 London Olympics.