One of the more hyperbolic statements in the long history of boxing comes by way of Charles Martin, the American heavyweight known as ‘Prince Charles’.
Looking back on the history and story of the troubled heavyweight, the statement only worsens in its irony; an eternal wound etched into internet discourse forever. With this, one can only look deeper into his story, read the pages and analyse what happened to ‘Prince Charles’ Martin.
Born in Missouri, his family would eventually relocate to Phoenix, Arizona as he hit the age of 12. He described his upbringing as “hard and hungry” in his The Gloves Are Off appearance and, like many, he would turn to boxing to cope with these struggles.
He would have his first child at an incredibly early age and would go on to have three more in the following years. The American southpaw would start boxing at the age of 22; his amateur record was spotty and unremarkable, although his unorthodox approach and style was always more geared towards the professional ranks.
From his debut fight in 2012, through to 2014, he would notch an impressive record of 14-0-1, with 10 of those wins coming by KO. Certainly not against top competition, but at least on paper, it is easy to see where delusions of grandeur could come from, particularly entering his first title bout. Beating the 14-0 Alexander Flores in the fourth round via KO, he secured the WBO NABO Heavyweight title; one that he would go on to defend four times.
Again, it was easy to see where ego could build.
After Tyson Fury left the boxing world, the titles were up for grabs; Martin was lucky enough to be able to fight for one of these belts – the vacant IBF World Heavyweight title. His opponent, in all fairness, had credentials.
Vyacheslav Glazkov boasted a 21-0-1 record at the time, with his most impressive win coming over Steve Cunningham, yet another link to Fury. Martin was very much the underdog in the conflict and the scorecards reflected this, with only one judge siding with Martin, who stopped Glazkov in the third round, owing to injury.
Either way, Martin had achieved something and made a space for himself in the boxing world. Nothing could go wrong. He had his pick of opponents vying for his belt. Chris Arreola, good but ageing, and Dominic Breazeale, fresh but hungry, were names thrown around. Both names he could have – potentially – won against.
But vanity is powerful and ego is strong.
Or perhaps money just talks.
Decorated amateur, British superstar and 2012 Olympic gold medalist Anthony Joshua was his eventual choice. In 2016, Martin would walk – like a God – into The O2 Arena. Joshua, the surging contender, would demolish Martin in the second round, to the delight of the British public.
Martin was simply a stepping stone for a goliath of modern heavyweight boxing.
He would go back to his home nation, where he would take on journeymen in confidence-boosters designed to ease Martin into the comeback trail. He would emphatically win these and prove, at least for a time, that he deserved to be towards the top.
He would bring action in his war with Adam Kownacki (17-0) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, on the undercard of Garcia vs Porter. Not a peak display of premier heavyweight boxing, but certainly an entertaining bout. He would, however, lose.
Again, Martin would return to undercards, where he would slowly build a winning record that put him in contention against ageing fighter Luis Ortiz, in a fight that was guaranteed to not reach a conclusion. In the sixth round, Martin would suffer yet another loss.
As recently as last year, Martin is still going. Fed to the wolves, Martin was mauled by rising American star Jared Anderson, who would get the decision win against the 38 year old former title holder.
Perhaps this is the ultimate fate for someone consumed by ego, titles and blinded by arrogance. Losing and losing, boosting the names of the next generation and, ultimately, becoming a number on a record.
One can only hope that Martin, entering the end of his career, can at least look back at the highs and come to terms with the lows, bowing out gracefully, rather than sauntering out and suffering like a fallen God.
And who knows, perhaps the Saudis, with their blockbuster cards, might need an enthusiastic partner like Martin to take on a rising star – a prospect he himself seems enthused with.
So, will the ‘Prince’ ride again? Who knows – one can only wait and see.
