Anthony Joshua knocks down Gary Cornish last September. Photo by Leigh Dawney/Getty Images

Heavyweight titleholder Charles Martin and undefeated former British Olympic gold medalist Anthony Joshua have had “preliminary conversations” about fighting in the first half of 2016 in England, according to Leon Margules, who promotes Martin.

“We’ve reached out to Joshua’s people,” Margules told RingTV.com on Thursday. “I think there’s interest on their side but I just don’t know if they think they’re ready yet. They know they have a kid they’re holding back. I think it’s a fight that can be made if they think they’re ready.”

Regardless of Joshua’s experience, Margules said Martin (23-0-1, 21 knockouts) would cross the Atlantic to face Joshua, who has developed an impressive hometown following. Joshua is ranked ninth in THE RING’s heavyweight ratings with Martin at No. 10.

“We’d go to England if there is a fight,” Margules said. “The kid is a superstar over there. Everyone is saying he’s the second coming so let’s find out.”

While Joshua (15-0, 15 KOs) is a strong possibility, Margules also mentioned several other candidates, such as Chris Arreola (37-4-1, 31 KOs), Dominic Breazeale (17-0, 15 KOs) and the recently vanquished Artur Szpilka, who was knocked cold by a right hand last month by Deontay Wilder in a title fight.

“He wants to fight him,” Margules said of Szpilka, whom he also promotes. “He’s told me, ‘You promote him and you’re my promoter. Let’s make the fight.’ He wants that fight.”

Margules said he’s the one who’s been negotiating with Joshua promoter Eddie Hearn even though Martin is advised by Al Haymon.

“Al is the adviser,” Margules said. “I’m the one talking to Hearn and then I’ll be taking the offer to management since (Haymon) is management.”

Martin rose to prominence last month when he won the vacant IBF title after his opponent, Vyacheslav Glazkov was unable to continue after he sustained a severe right knee injury in the third round, reportedly tearing his ACL and meniscus.