Anthony Joshua holds talks for world title fight with IBF champion Charles Martin in April

The fight could take place at the O2

Anthony Joshua celebrates after defeating Kevin Johnson (GETTY IMAGES)

Anthony Joshua is in line for a shock tilt at a heavyweight world title this spring, possibly at London’s O2 Arena as soon as 9 April. The 2012 Olympic champion has emerged as a contender to face IBF champion Charles Martin, who won the belt last month after it was vacated by Tyson Fury.

Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said: “If Martin is really genuine, then I think the fight will get made. My gut feeling is Charles Martin fancies the fight and there’s a huge amount of money on offer. We are in talks with Charles Martin’s team. There is a long way to go, but he called out Joshua so we have to take it seriously.”

Joshua, who beat Dillian Whyte last time out, had planned at least two more fights before stepping up, but both he and Hearn believe this opportunity too good to pass.

“Fighting for the world title wasn’t really on our radar at this stage, but we have to take it seriously,” Hearn said. “I think we will have an answer probably by the end of the week. But there’s no deadline, we’re not up against the clock.

“We already had an opponent in mind and this has arisen so we had to make enquiries. Martin wants a lot of money but there’s a lot of money in the fight and there’s a big risk for both sides. It’s quite a difficult deal to do. The conversations are ongoing.”

Joshua’s opportunity has arisen after Fury’s victory over Wladimir Klitschko, who held the IBF belt as well as the WBA and WBO titles. In agreeing to a rematch with Klitschko, Fury forced the IBF to strip him of the title and declare the belt vacant.

Unbeaten Martin triumphed against Vyacheslav Glazkov and the 29-year-old American is now looking to cash in against Joshua, in whom there is huge interest on both sides of the Atlantic.

“It’s the 16th fight of Anthony Joshua’s career. Is it too early? It’s a huge gamble, two relatively inexperienced guys.” Hearn said. “They both punch with immense power. It’s one of those you might have to watch through your fingers.”

As Joshua’s star rises so another sets with the retirement of Kevin Mitchell. The former British and Commonwealth super featherweight champion lost just four times in a 43-fight career, including twice in world title challenges at lightweight.