Charles Lee Martin Bio
Charles Lee Martin, known professionally as Prince Charles, is an American heavyweight boxer born on April 24, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri. He held the IBF heavyweight title in 2016, marking a significant milestone in his career. Martin is recognized for his southpaw stance, towering height of 6 feet 5 inches, and powerful knockout ability, with 27 of his 30 wins coming by way of knockout.
Early Life and Background
Charles Martin was born in St. Louis, Missouri, before relocating to Colorado Springs and Phoenix during his early teens. He began working in construction at the age of 14 and became a father to his first son at a young age. Martin started boxing relatively late, taking up the sport at 22 years old, which is uncommon for professional fighters. Despite this late start, he quickly developed his skills and amassed an amateur record of 64 fights.
Path to Boxing
Martin’s amateur career was marked by notable achievements including winning the National PAL Championships in 2012. Turning professional later that year, he rapidly climbed the ranks in the heavyweight division. His southpaw style and knockout power distinguished him early on, helping him secure victories against undefeated opponents and establish himself as a rising contender in the sport.
Charles Martin Career
Early Career (2012–2014)
Martin turned professional on October 27, 2012, and made his television debut on ESPN in July 2013 with a fourth-round TKO over Aaron Kinch. He continued to build momentum by defeating undefeated Vincent Thompson later that year, earning a unanimous decision and scoring the first knockdown of Thompson’s career. Throughout 2013, Martin fought 11 times, including a notable win against undefeated Cuban heavyweight Glendy Hernandez.
In 2014, Martin won the vacant WBO–NABO heavyweight title by knocking out Alexander Flores in the fourth round. He successfully defended this title multiple times, including a third-round stoppage of Kertson Manswell and a tenth-round TKO of Raphael Zumbano Love. His aggressive style and knockout streak helped him gain recognition in the heavyweight division.
IBF Heavyweight Breakthrough (2016)
Following Tyson Fury’s vacating of the IBF heavyweight title, Martin was ordered to fight Vyacheslav Glazkov for the vacant championship. On January 16, 2016, Martin won the IBF heavyweight title at Barclays Center in Brooklyn by stopping Glazkov in the third round due to injury. This victory marked the pinnacle of Martin’s career, as he became a world heavyweight champion.
Martin’s reign was short-lived; he defended the title against Anthony Joshua on April 9, 2016, at The O2 Arena in London. Joshua dominated the fight, knocking Martin down twice in the second round and winning by knockout. Martin’s 85-day tenure as champion is the second-shortest in heavyweight boxing history. The loss drew criticism regarding his performance and mental readiness during the bout.
Post-Title Career (2017–Present)
After losing the IBF title, Martin embarked on a comeback trail with several victories over journeyman opponents, including a second-round TKO of Byron Polley and a first-round knockout of Michael Marrone in 2017. In 2018, he faced rising contender Adam Kownacki in a closely contested bout that ended in a unanimous decision loss for Martin.
Martin continued to compete actively, securing wins against Gregory Corbin by disqualification in 2019 and Daniel Martz by knockout the same year. In 2020, he defeated Gerald Washington by technical knockout on the undercard of the Deontay Wilder vs. Tyson Fury II event, demonstrating his resilience and continued presence in the heavyweight division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Charles Martin is known for his southpaw stance, which provides a strategic advantage against orthodox fighters. His height and reach, measuring 6 feet 5 inches and 80 inches respectively, allow him to control distance effectively. Martin’s fighting style emphasizes powerful left-hand punches and knockout power, making him a formidable opponent in the heavyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Martin’s capture of the IBF heavyweight title in 2016 stands as a career-defining moment. Despite the brevity of his reign, winning a world championship solidified his status in professional boxing. Additionally, Martin survived a gunshot wound to his forearm in 2016, undergoing surgery and returning to the ring thereafter, showcasing his determination and resilience.
Charles Martin Career Wins
Throughout his professional career, Charles Martin has amassed a record of 30 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, with 27 of those wins coming by knockout. His victories span regional titles and high-profile bouts, reflecting his power and skill in the heavyweight division.
WBO–NABO Heavyweight Highlights
Martin’s tenure as WBO–NABO heavyweight champion included multiple successful title defenses. His first win of the title came by knockout against Alexander Flores in 2014. Martin defended the belt against several challengers, including Kertson Manswell and Raphael Zumbano Love, often winning by stoppage and demonstrating his knockout prowess.
IBF Heavyweight Title Win
Martin’s most notable win was capturing the IBF heavyweight title in 2016 against Vyacheslav Glazkov. The fight ended in the third round due to Glazkov’s injury, awarding Martin the championship. Although his reign was brief, this victory remains a highlight of his career.
Other Wins & Performances
Beyond his championship bouts, Martin has recorded significant wins against contenders and journeymen alike. His ability to finish fights early has been a consistent feature, contributing to his reputation as a powerful puncher in the heavyweight ranks.
Charles Martin Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Charles Martin is a father of four sons. Details about his spouse or partner are not publicly confirmed. His early life involved moving between cities and balancing work with family responsibilities. Martin’s personal experiences have shaped his determination and commitment to his boxing career.
2025 Season Performance
As of 2025, Charles Martin remains an active competitor in the heavyweight division. His recent performances have shown resilience and a continued pursuit of high-level competition. Martin’s experience and power keep him relevant among heavyweight contenders, with potential opportunities to challenge for titles or high-profile fights. His training and team dynamics focus on leveraging his southpaw stance and knockout ability to secure victories and advance his career further.