Where Does Sergio Martinez go from Here?

Where Does Sergio Martinez go from Here?

By Eric Marks, Doghouse Boxing (Oct 6, 2011) Doghouse Boxing
-

Speculation has begun as to what options lie ahead for Sergio Martinez after he showed some vulnerability, despite winning by knockout, in his middleweight fight last Saturday night against England’s Darrin Barker. As others have suggested, it’s doubtful the big guns he desires – Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, or Miguel Cotto – will fight him, given the risk/reward ratio, and particularly given that a Mayweather or Pacquiao loss to Martinez probably ruins the mega-fight the world wants between Manny and Floyd. So what’s a guy to do?

Antonio Margarito would probably fight Martinez at junior-middleweight, but his fight with Miguel Cotto is still two months away, and even if Margarito beats Cotto, the fight will undoubtedly take a toll on him potentially creating a long-layoff. There are no real stars at middleweight and the tough fighters in that division could make Martinez look bad. He doesn’t appear comfortable at the prospect of moving up to super-middleweight, but has said he a catch weight of 164 or so is feasible. But against whom, since the 168 pound division is full of talent but lacks the big names Martinez seeks, plus Martinez would be giving away and size and power advantage.

The answer to Martinez’s prayers could be none other than ‘The Executioner’ himself, Bernard Hopkins. Hopkins is of course scheduled to fight Chad Dawson on October 15^th for the light-heavyweight title, only two weeks removed from Martinez’s recent fight. Consequently, negotiations could begin soon. Hopkins fought for so many years at middleweight that it should not be a problem for him to get down to a catch weight of 165 or so, particularly given his elite fitness level. Such a fight would give Hopkins a chance to add yet another name to his already legendary resume against a pound-for-pound fighter. For Martinez, the chance to beat a legend would raise his stock considerably. The risk is minimal for Martinez, in that, even if he loses he fought outside his ideal weight and lost to an all-time great, so it won’t be held against him. And such a loss may entice Mayweather, Pacquiao, or Cotto to fight Sergio, certainly to a greater degree than is currently the case.

Sergio should seriously consider stepping out of his comfort zone and seeking out Hopkins. It may be just what the doctor ordered as he faces this crossroads in his career.

Questions? Comments? Email marksericj@gmail.com

For much more on other stars of Boxing, visit our newswire on the homepage now

Write for Doghouse Boxing: anthonyc1974@gmail.com.

NEW: Follow Doghouse Boxing on FaceBook!
For more Boxing News 24/7 and so much more...
visit our homepage now!