On April 2016, Anthony Joshua secured his 16th knockout win in 16 fights. After beating Charles Martin inside two rounds at the O2 Arena, London, Joshua claimed the IBF Heavyweight title.

While settling into the fight in the first round, Joshua had a few punches that rattled Martin. Martin went to the ground twice in the second round. The second instance came with a counter right hand from Joshua. It was when the referee decided to stop the fight and declare Joshua victorious.

With the win, Joshua joined Floyd Patterson, Muhammad Ali and Leon Spinks as the only men to be professional heavyweight world champions while still reigning Olympic champions. The win also was an answer to his critics.

“I ain’t gonna get too carried away. Every heavyweight has power, but it’s about speed. I showed him levels, I said I would,” Joshua said after the fight. “There’ll probably be some negativity, people saying Martin was easy, but a few days ago he was this big dangerous southpaw.”

“I don’t take nonsense from no-one, but I’m humble… all the hype is good for everyone in boxing. Get behind every boxer, not just myself. They’ve been calling me out since last year… I’m going to keep grinding, keep working… when I step into the ring, I’ll be ready.”

Anthony Joshua not in a rush for his next fight

Joshua went on to keep the IBF title for the next three years. His last fight was in December last year against Andy Ruiz Jr. Since the unanimous decision win then, he is yet to fight again. With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, he will not be in action anytime soon.

Joshua also does not seem to be in a rush for his next fight. In a recent appearance on iFL TV, Joshua said that isolation is what the world requires at this moment, even if it is boring.

“Its obviously boring and stuff, but the world needs it. It’s moving so fast in this day and age. It’s like you let go of the world you cant get back on. So you just do whatever you can to stay latched onto what’s moving,” Joshua said.

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“I’m not in a rush to see anyone because sometimes your elevation requires your isolation.”