Anthony Joshua and Eddie Hearn
Anthony Joshua (left) and Eddie Hearn Getty Images

Anthony Joshua had no hesitation in agreeing to fight Charles Martin for the IBF world championship, according to promoter Eddie Hearn. The duo are set to face each other at the O2 Arena in London on 9 April, with both men putting their unbeaten records on the line.

Some experts have suggested a world title shot may be premature for the Olympic gold medal-winning star but Hearn has revealed Joshua was eager for the opportunity.

"Life is all about taking opportunities and when the chance to become heavyweight champion of the world presented itself, there was no holding Anthony back," he said, according to Sky Sports.

"He wants to give the fans something to get excited about and he wants to become a great, and even though the decision among the team took a week or so, I believe his mind was already made up from the moment I asked him."

Hearn said the eagerly awaited bout is likely to become one of the most talked-about events in recent British boxing history. And with Tyson Fury already holding WBA, WBO and IBO titles, the heavyweight scene could soon be dominated by British fighters.

"It's a complete honour to promote an event of this magnitude," he said. "I believe it's one that will go down in the history of the sport."

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