By James Slater – Universally recognised middleweight champion of the world Sergio Gabriel Martinez remains one of the best P-4-P fighters in the sport today. Despite being 36-years-old (37 in Feb.), the Argentine southpaw is hungry for super fights against his fellow P-4-P entrants..
Last time out, Martinez, 48-2-2(27) had a tougher time than expected, as he finally overcame a spirited effort from huge betting underdog Darren Barker. Now, according to his manager Sampson Lewkowicz, who spoke with fight news.com earlier today, “Maravilla” is looking at a return on Saint Patrick’s Day next year; with New York being a strong candidate to host the fight.
All that is needed is a suitable opponent, and according to Lewkowicz there are three names being looked at most seriously: Matthew Macklin, Andy Lee and Marco Antonio Rubio. Macklin seems to feel he will bag the fight. In truth either of these three would provide Martinez with an interesting, possibly tough fight. Rubio has been waiting the longest time for his shot at the WBC crown, yet Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, who holds the green belt, doesn’t even seem to be looking his countryman’s way. Rubio, I’m sure, would jump at the chance to face Martinez. So too would Lee; fresh off his impressive revenge win over Bryan Vera as he is.
Martinez, though, has a problem getting himself “up” for fights he is expected to win and win somewhat easily. Some experts put his less than impressive win over Barker down to this very issue. Martinez wants a Manny Pacquiao or a Floyd Mayweather to fight. Neither fight looms, with both megastars deemed too small by most experts. But Martinez has not given up hoping.
In the meantime, with Pac-Man headed (most likely) towards a fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez or (hopefully) a mega-fight with Mayweather, Martinez must keep busy. One man his manager would like to see him face is the aforementioned Chavez Junior. Lewkowicz wants his fighter to get the chance to win the WBC belt the Mexican “Son of a Legend” currently holds.
“I believe Sergio deserves the opportunity to fight for the title that Chavez has,” Lewkowicz told fight news. “Chavez should fight the mandatory fighter which is Sergio. If not, then he should give up the title and have Sergio fight for it.”
Lewkowicz shouldn’t worry too much about Chavez’ title. Sure, a fight between the Mexican star and the Argentine king would result in a good payday for Martinez, but every single fan out there knows Chavez is in no way shape or form the real middleweight champion. That distinction belongs to Martinez, and it will be great seeing him back in action in March. Whoever he faces.