Former world heavyweight champion Charles Martin was shot in the forearm following an altercation in Los Angeles.

Reports in the American media say Martin was involved in an argument with two men on Tuesday at around 5am local time.

Martin was  struck in the forearm and was taken to hospital. The 30-year-old credits the police with saving his life.

Speaking to TMZ, he said: "I looked down and saw a pool of blood. I said to myself 'I have to get out of here. I'm going to die. I'm going to bleed to death.'

"I have to pay respect to the cops. They saved my life."

Martin defeated Vyacheslav Glazkov to win the vacant IBF heavyweight title in January, but lost the belt to Anthony Joshua three months later after a brutal second-round knockout.