UPDATED WITH VIDEO Sergio Says He'll Risk His Health To Fight Pacquiao...WOODS

Written by Michael Woods

Tuesday, 27 September 2011 19:15

398_1024x664 photo by Damien Acevedo

Two months ago, I was at a press conference to hype Saturday's clash between Sergio Martinez and Darren Barker, an undefeated Brit who hasn't been in against anyone remotely close to Martinez in talent. I asked Martinez and advisor Sampson Lewkowicz if they'd consider dropping down to under 154 pounds if that meant they could tempt one of the two titans, the lottery twins, Mayweather and Pacquaio, into a fight.

No way, they said. Sergio's body couldn't handle it it. It wouldn't be a smart thing to attempt, from a health perspective.

Well, from a wealth perspective, and in the challenge department, things have changed. Martinez was at Modells in NYC for an open workout today. After adult film actress Lisa Ann finished lusting at the Argentine with her eyes, he went through a quick workout with trainer Gabriel Sarmiento. A bit later, I asked him to explain his flip flop. Check out the video Q 'n' A. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUEY1u5eU8g

The fighter said yes, he'd go to 150 pounds to get a megafight. "At 160 there are no opponents available to me," Martinez said in Spanish, with Lewkowicz translating. "I must go down to 150 and take a risk with my health. I want to prove that pound for pound I'm the best boxer. Now there is no excuse, if Manny Pacquiao says no, he is fighting at 150 his next fight.

"Pacquaio fought with Margarito at 150 I believe that question can be asked to Pacquiao because Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez took the fight."

TSS Universe reading the new look TSS, what do you think? Will there be a fan mandate for Pacquiao to fight Martinez, especially if as many of us suspect, the ludicrous Mayweather-Pacquiao danceoff drags on another year or more? Weigh in, in our Forum.

Comment on this article

FighterforJC says:

At 160 there are no opponents for him? How about moving up to 168 instead of challenging a natural jr. welter? Sounds like he's already making excuses. The bum doesn't deserve a shot at a big payday, after all the disrespect he's given to Pacquiao just to get noticed. Anyone who doesn't worship Pacquiao doesn't know a thing about boxing. 'Nuff said.

admin says:

The bum?? C'mon, he's an ace, not a bum. Can you blame the guy for targeting the biggest of the big?

DaveB says:

Why doesn't he target Mayweather as well? Mayweather is right at the door of 150. I'm sure there would be interest in that one too.

the Roast says:

Sergio needs to cash in before father time catches up with him. I'm sure he would love to get in with Pac or Floyd. I'd love to see both fights. Also, Ward, Froch, Bute, or even B-Hop at 168. I read on ESPN that Kelly Pavlik wants to fight and he'll fight for short money. I hope he means it. It will be a hard road to pave.

brownsugar says:

Wow that's a hardup move...and it's just as dangerous for Pac as it is for Martinez. After watching Mayweather he probably doesn't want to deal with stress of Floyds skill plus his respectful prefight mouth.

brownsugar says:

Disrespectfull prefight mouth.

amayseng says:

Floyd at 154 would be the best fight.

Floyd has a belt at 154 and walks around 150

This would be the best fight possible.

And floyds toughest challenge. One I think he can't win.

Sergio at this stage and age is better than Floyd.

FighterforJC says:

Martinez is not better than Floyd, but his skillset combined with his size and athletic ability is more than Mayweather could handle. At least Pac hits hard.

Radam G says:

S & M -- I mean Sergio Martinez -- oughta QUIT! He couldn't beat Da Manny or Money May, IMHO! Dude got famous by beating a long, tall, hyped-up chump and a drunk, though if that drunk was a bit sober and didn't have weight problem, he'd whup SM's arse. Holla!

Radam G says:

Ditto Fe'Roz! Holla!

brownsugar says:

The notion that there's nobody to fight at 160 is preposterous. Re'Roz and Radam G are absolutely correct. Stay at Home!!. or Play Alone.......Why not try Felix Sturm or Arthur Abraham in Germany for some great retirement money.....

Dmitry Pirog the "Russain Mayweather" has video interviews all over the net respectfully asking for a bout with Marrivella..... Peter "Kid Chocolate" Quillin is literally Jonesin' for a chance to prove himself against the South American Star... and I'm sure Gennady Golovkin, the newly crowned Middleweight champ who has amateur victories over a whose-who of present day 160 and 168 Stars like Andre Direll, Matt Korobov, and Lucien Bute,. would be ecstatic to promote his cause vs boxings pronounced #3 P4P King.

Even Ward said he'd be willing to give Sergio some exposure by meeting him at 164 if he truly wants it.

For Sergio's manager to put the following message on BLAST.... "Sergio will NEVER intertain a fight at 168 reveals a hint of denial and hypocrasy of epic proportions.

he calls out Cotto,.. a valient but shopworn blown up 140pounder,.. he doggs the heals of Pac and Mayweather... (Mayweather could easily make 140 if he wanted to,.. hell,.. the guy comes in rehydrated at 150 vs Brandon Rios who fights around lightweight while rehydrating to 155lbs)...he even asked for a used up Margarito.. but he refuses to focus on guys who are naturally his size. ....I mean these are guys who walk around (like Sergio) at 175lbs all day.

154 is within his range...why not go for Deandre Latimore, Sechew Powell, K9Bundrage just to name a few who have enough name recognition to make meaningful fight at junior middle and they have also expressed interest in Martinez...... even though protected house fighters like Chavez Jr, and Canelo Alvarez (and Sadly Angulo) will always be out of his reach until he turns 40 opportunities abound.

I'm tired of hearing Sergio complain about not getting fights when he's turning down as many worthy fight opportunities he gets denied.

I thought watching Amir Khan going on a yearlong champain to use faded veteran Juan Marquez as stepping stone was as obscene a proposition as it gets... But Sergio is not far behind untill he cleans up his own house...

< Prev		Next >