Sergio Martinez’s Future

By Rob Rutz

It has been about a week since Sergio Martinez (45-2-2, 24 KOs) made the decision to remain the WBC Middleweight champion and abandon the WBC Light Middleweight Championship. After a phenomenal performance against former middleweight champion, Kelly Pavlik, Martinez is staying in incredible shape waiting for his next fight.

It is known that Martinez was robbed when he fought Kermit Cintron. For those who have not seen it, Martinez hit Cintron with a clean blow, dropping Cintron who did not beat the 10 count. Cintron and his corner convinced the referee that he was floored by a head-butt, not a punch. Although Martinez should have won by KO, or at least on points, the fight ended in a draw.

Martinez went on to fight Paul “The Punisher” Williams. In a fight of the year candidate, Martinez dropped the split decision but many argue that he won the fight. Martinez was then given a shot at Kelly Pavlik. Pavlik, coming in the favorite, lost an exciting fight that was dominated by Martinez’s speed and agility. Pavlik did not exercise the re-match clause and is planning to move up in weight.

Where does Martinez go now?

To Germany: There are three very interesting options if Martinez chooses to fight abroad. Martinez has fought a good amount of his career in Europe. Although this is not great for US fans, Martinez fighting in Europe could pose a very lucrative fight and would very likely bring us closer to a unified champion.

Sebastian Zbik is relatively unknown in the United States. Zbik is the WBC interim champion. This undefeated champion (29-0 10KOs) has never fought outside of Europe and only has fought five times outside of Germany. It has been only recently known that he is planning to fight on July 31st.

Another relatively unknown in the United States is Felix Sturm (33-2-1, 14KOs). Also a German based fighter, he is strong and in tremendous shape. He represented Germany in the 2000 Olympics but was eliminated by United States star Jermain Taylor. He also lost to Oscar De La Hoya in 2004. The decision was highly questioned and very controversial. He is currently the WBA middleweight champion.

Sebastian Sylvester is another German middleweight (33-3-1, 16KOs). He is the IBF middleweight champion and a fight with Martinez would help bring us closer to unifying the belts.

HBO would love: Martinez-Williams II. It has been rumored that HBO executives are pushing for this fight. With such a high action, closely contested fight, it is almost a sure thing that these two warriors will eventually meet again in the ring.

Other Options:

Antonio Margarito. Martinez lost via TKO 7 to Margarito (38-6, 27KOs) in 2000. Margarito has one fight under his belt since having his license revoked by the California Athletic Commission for loading his gloves. With a tarnished reputation, the future is uncertain for Margarito, but a rematch 10 years later is still an intriguing fight.

Miguel Cotto. This fight would be more of a possibility had Martinez decided to keep his light middleweight title. Cotto (35-2, 28KOs) recently won the WBA Super Welterweight Championship from Yuri Foreman in convincing fashion. Martinez would fight at a catch-weight between 154-160 if the money is right, otherwise he will be fighting at 160.

Alfredo Angulo. Angulo (18-1, 15KOs) has had great exposure and is a very experienced fighter. This would be a great fight and very possibly an HBO feature.

Lucian Bute. Bute (26-0, 21KOs) has gained recent recognition from his spectacular knockout performances on HBO. Martinez would be the smaller man in the ring. Two athletes with great HBO exposure. A very interesting fight of skill, speed, and craftsmanship.

At 35 years of age and a record boasting 49 fights, Martinez has had a great career. He is finally beginning to get the recognition he deserves. Now let us continue to see this high action warrior fight while the limelight is hot.