Dereck Chisora backs Anthony Joshua to KO Charles Martin before fighting David Haye or himself

Dereck Chisora has backed his British rival Anthony Joshua to knock out IBF champion Charles Martin before facing himself or David Haye next. The Olympic gold medallist fights for the world title on 9 April at London's O2 Arena and Chisora is confident Joshua will win the bout.

Thereafter, he thinks Joshua's most logical opponent would be either himself or Haye, who has been vocal about wanting to face the Olympian. Chisora, 32, had been in negotiations to face Joshua, but the two parties failed to agree on the financial terms for a fight. However, he thinks a bout between them is likely further down the line.

"[That fight is] always going to be there," Chisora told Sky Sports. "When he wins, he's going to ask to fight me or David Haye. It's always going to be there. It's a fight which none of us can hide away from. But it has to be on great terms for both parties."

Chisora thinks Joshua's desire will see him overcome the challenge of Martin, who is unbeaten through 24 professional fights. "Every fight in the heavyweight game is a 50-50 fight," he said. "Dillian Whyte was a 50-50 fight. It's all about who wants it more in that split second – that is it. Some guys get in the ring, but really and truly they don't want to be in the ring.

"Charles Martin and AJ, it's about who wants it more. Charles Martin has tasted the good life, he wants that good life, and no one wants to lose that. You're world champion, you're making so much money and this and that.

"We're all trying to get to the top, we're all fighting for a world title. AJ is ready for it. Everybody is ready for a world title fight, there is no risk to take. The only person taking a risk is Charles Martin, who might lose his title."