Congratulations to the management of both Charles Martin and Anthony Joshua, for taking the fight against one other. While I will believe it when I see it (watch for injuries) it actually makes perfect sense for both camps to go through with it. Joshua has gained a ranking and following without really beating anyone of note, but his opponents have all had winning records. A couple of them were also undefeated, and he has stopped all 15 inside the distance.
A fighter like Martin would be a natural next step anyway. He is another unbeaten, but largely unproven contender. For Martin, being unproven is not his fault. He has certainly attempted to take on anyone possible. He has been matched with fellow unbeatens like Joe Hanks and Dominick Breazeale (cancelled when he got the Glazkov fight), therefore his management has shown willingness to risk him, because of that great eraser in his punching power.
Martin lucked into the title when Glazkov injured his knee, so even though he is a title belt holder, he is still full of question marks. Now, that no matter what, he can call himself a former “world” champion, he will be even more willing to take risk. If he loses, it could be because Joshua is the real thing, and he will most certainly be able to line up big money fights. In fact, it may be easier for Martin to get fights if he loses, as he will appear vulnerable enough. If it's true he really did sign with Al Haymon, he will get A LOT more big fights once his 0 is gone (although congrats to Al for taking this fight).
If Martin wins, he catapults past Wilder with one victory, as the Bronze Bomber does not have a win like that on his resume. For Joshua, if he loses, it is still early. Brits don’t abandon their hyped prospects after one brutal KO loss (as this would likely be). As Frank Bruno, David Haye, and David Price learned, it almost endears them to the fans, when they come back from it. Audley Harrison was given umpteen chances before labeled a permanent professional bust.
The only bad result would be a long dull fight with a lousy decision, which is always a possibility when dealing with heavyweights. This is especially true when one side is the hyped, homegrown fighter (Joshua). Good action, definitive result, will result in someone that the public will demand face Fury or Wilder, if either man is champion by the summer.
Chris Strait
www.convictedartist.com