Redwood City, CA, USA - Former IBF heavyweight champion Charles Martin, 29-4-1 (26 KOs), is set to make his return to the ring on November 16 at the Fox Theatre in Redwood City, California, facing journeyman Matthew McKinney, 17-8-3 (13 KOs). This fight marks Martin’s first appearance since his unanimous decision loss to prospect Jared Anderson in July 2023. Now 38 years old, Martin seeks to reestablish himself as a relevant force in the heavyweight division, though the road to doing so is filled with obstacles and requires careful strategy.

Martin first captured the IBF heavyweight title in January 2016, defeating Vyacheslav Glazkov by third-round TKO. However, his title reign was short-lived, as he fell to Anthony Joshua in his first defense just three months later in a devastating two-round knockout in London. That swift loss sent Martin into a rebuilding phase, one that would see him struggle to recapture the momentum he once held. Since then, Martin has had mixed success, including a notable stoppage victory over Gerald Washington in 2020 but also facing tough losses to fighters like Adam Kownacki in 2018 and Luis Ortiz in 2022. In the Ortiz fight, Martin showed flashes of his old power by scoring an early knockdown but was ultimately stopped in the sixth round.

Entering this matchup against the 43-year-old McKinney, who ranks well below the top 100 heavyweights, Martin seems to be taking a stay-busy fight rather than one that advances his career significantly. McKinney, with a record that includes multiple losses and no marquee wins, offers Martin an opportunity to shake off ring rust and rebuild his confidence. However, the low level of competition raises questions about whether Martin is positioning himself for a meaningful title run or merely staying active.

For Martin, this fight serves as a litmus test for whether he can mount a final, meaningful run in the heavyweight ranks. At his best, Martin still possesses a strong southpaw jab and a powerful straight left hand, tools that could make him dangerous for certain opponents. However, if he struggles against McKinney, it could signal the end of his aspirations for another title shot.

Martin’s story reflects the challenges faced by aging fighters aiming to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving heavyweight landscape. As he steps into the ring on November 16, boxing fans will watch closely to see if “Prince” Charles Martin can once again ascend from the setbacks and prove he remains a threat in the heavyweight division.