Anthony Joshua will have the eyes of the world on him when he takes on Charles Martin for the IBF heavyweight belt.
The British and Commonwealth champion is looking to wrestle the world title off the unbeaten American when the two clash on April 9.
But it won’t the the only world title on the line at London’s O2 Arena next month.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn announced that British IBF world champion Lee Selby will be defending his title against Eric Hunter on the card.
The pugnacious Welshman will return to the venue where he famously won his world featherweight belt against Evgeny Gradovich last May.
It’s the Barry native’s first title defence on home soil after he saw off mandatory challenger Fernando Montiel in Arizona.
Good to have you join the bill @leeselby126 👌👌 https://t.co/Ms66LGg9km
— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) March 10, 2016
The 29-year-old champ said: “Hunter looks decent and it will be a good fight, but I am more than ready for this one.
“It’s always nice to fight in front of your home fans so it will be great to have my second defence in front of my own people.
“Last time I went away to America, so it was hard for them to watch. It was on in the early hours of the morning but this time they will get to see me and that is important. I will be at my best.
“I will show why I am the IBF world champion and show people what I can do.”
Philadelphia fighter Hunter, who is 21-3 with 10 KOs, is the mandatory challenger for Selby’s belt.
https://twitter.com/Erichunter27/status/705914468400828418
Two of his three defeats have come by way of disqualifications, leading to accusations he’s a dirty fighter.
But the American told World Boxing News earlier this year that he was ready to come and beat the Brit on home soil.
He said: “I’ve never really heard of him [Selby] and I don’t disrespect champions, but from what I have seen he looks like a spoiled kid.
“He didn’t look good in his last fight and [Evgeny] Gradovich hasn’t been the same since he beat Billy Dib. Selby struggled against [Fernando] Montiel who is really only a 118 pound fighter.
“If I have to come to Wales and knock Selby out I will. I can outpoint him or knock him out.
“I saw Selby saying he wanted to fight at home to get the advantage. Why is he saying that? That isn’t the mentality of a champion! True champions don’t care where they fight!”
