Anthony Joshua has been called out by the manager of American heavyweight Charles Martin – remember him?

Martin won the vacant IBFC heavyweight title with a TKO victory over Vyacheslav Glazkov back in 2016. His first title defence came against AJ, who was fresh off a victory over Dillian Whyte.

You all know how the story goes, with AJ finishing Martin off in the second round to win his first world title. It left the American’s career in tatters.

Martin has gone on to win five of his six bouts since being KO’ed by AJ and his team now appear to be under the impression that he is back in contention in the heavyweight division.

His manager, quoted by Sky Sports, revealed that he is keen to see AJ defeat Oleksandr Usyk to win back his belts and give Martin the opportunity to have his revenge.

“I think Usyk beats Joshua again, but I am rooting for Joshua. Charles desperately wants to fight and KO Joshua before he retires.”

“He’s been focused on that singular goal since 2016 – it’s what motivates him and it’s the reason why he will beat Luiz Ortiz.”

“Charles will do whatever it takes to become two-time heavyweight champion, including fighting a second IBF eliminator against one of the most avoided heavyweights in the world.”

We all know how deluded some of those within the boxing world are. The delusion appears to be amplified at heavyweight, perhaps it’s the strength of the blows to the head.

This could be on a whole new level, though. Martin is arguably the worst heavyweight world champion of all time. There is zero prospect of him stepping into the ring with a fighter of Joshua’s calibre ever again.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Chargers reportedly targeting this former Jim Harbaugh player in draft
Brad Marchand gets winner as Bruins beat Leafs to go up 2-1 in series
Heat play 'Herro ball' to stun Celtics in Game 2
Watch: Aaron Judge passes Derek Jeter on Yankees all-time home run list
Timberwolves C overcomes long odds, wins Sixth Man of the Year
Watch: The Maple Leafs turn up the physicality in Game 3 vs. Bruins
Cavaliers forward to miss rest of first-round series
Latest report provides hint on Cowboys' feelings about Ezekiel Elliott reunion
Three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher requests a trade from the Bengals
Commanders suddenly cut pass-rusher after NFL reinstatement
Watch: Pirates prospect Paul Skenes' remarkable streak ends
Cowboys make unsurprising move with Micah Parsons
Blue Jays OF placed on injured list due to hip inflammation
Jayden Daniels addresses if he'd play for Commanders
Guardians top pitching prospect shut down after setback
Lions agree to record-setting extension with OT
Sharks fire head coach David Quinn after two seasons
Marvin Harrison Jr. explains controversial predraft decisions
Reigning Cy Young winner's disastrous 2024 continues
Lions extension makes Amon-Ra St. Brown the NFL's highest-paid receiver