10 reasons Sergio Martinez will not get a Mayweather or Pacquiao fight

By Boxing News - 12/08/2012 - Comments

Image: 10 reasons Sergio Martinez will not get a Mayweather or Pacquiao fightBy Tom Graves: Starting at number 10, the Argentine stands at a height of 5ft 10” which is considered fairly standard at middleweight but very tall for a catch weight bout around welterweight to suit Pacquiao and Mayweather. ‘Money’ stands at a generous 5′ 8″ whereas the ‘Pacman’ stands at a mere 5′ 6½″.

Size comes in at number 9. Height is not merely the only physiological advantage, “Maravilla” has a wide upper body, boasting a big chest with large Latissimus dorsi muscles and built up arms. The biggest worry to Mayweather and Pacquiao is that Martinez has previously expressed in the media he believes he could still make 147lbs for a welterweight bout.

Martinez’s extremely unorthodox style is the 8th reason. Anyone who has watched Sergio box, will notice he has not learnt out of the sweet science textbook. Martinez spends most of his time in the ring with his hands down, utilising unusual but affective head movement, varying between throwing pot-shots or fast combinations, both from unique and awkward directions. With quality timing Sergio can counterpunch with impressive speed.

If Martinez’s style isn’t enough, he is also a southpaw. The 7th reason why a matchup between the two pound for pound kings seems very unlikely. Mayweather has been seen to struggle with south paws, opposing promoter Bob Arum whom represented Floyd for over 10 years recently stated the following: (in an interview with ESPN 1100)

“All you have to do was watch him in the (DeMarcus) Corley fight where he didn’t realize Corley was one when he made the fight. Corley shook him up and had him in trouble. Why? Because Mayweather is a sensational defensive fighter but that’s against an orthodox guy.”

“If he goes against a southpaw he opens himself up. You saw that happen in the Cotto fight because Cotto is a right handed fighter but he’s really a southpaw that’s converted and Cotto hurt him because he doesn’t have a good defense to the left hand.”

‘The pride of the Philippines’ may also have extreme trouble with a southpaw as he is one himself, and throughout his career, he will have sparred and boxed mostly orthodox fighters. Pacquiao versus any southpaw takes away a massive advantage for him.

The 6th factor preventing Martinez’s chances is how Sergio has been a campaigner at welterweight

Light middleweight and currently middleweight. Knocking out bigger men and taking the shots from bigger men. Mayweather has boxed at light-middleweight twice against De La Hoya and Cotto, who both spent most of their career at welterweight. Pacquiao has only dipped his toe in once against Margarito at light-middle. Martinez is seasoned at middleweight.

The list continues at 5 using evidence from Martinez’s most recent bout a UD over Julio César Chávez Jr. Martinez out boxed and literally schooled the 26 year old Chávez throughout the first 11 rounds of the bout. Only until the 12th when Martinez became too game for his own good and stood in front of Chávez Jr where Julio landed some powerful shots that took the 37 year old to the canvas.

After rising to his feet, rather than hold on or run, Martinez continued to trade powerful blows with the young Mexican, although obviously appearing fatigued and clearly affected by the knockdown, Sergio lasted the round and his hand was raised.

This display of courage and heart speaks for itself, but the important factor is that Martinez withstood power shots from Chavez who has been known to enter the ring rehydrated at up to 190 pounds, which is the equivalent of a cruiserweight boxer. This does not attract the 147lbs stars to agree a bout with Martinez.

The most off-putting factor in matchmaking, coming in at reason number 4. Martinez possess knockout power, as demonstrated in his most highlighted victory, his vicious knockout over Paul Williams in 2009, funnily enough one of the biggest (height and size) welterweight to ever compete.

Another alarming element is how Martinez seems to hold on to his knockout power throughout the whole 12 rounds of a championship fight as seen in his two back to back victory over Barker and Macklin. It is very rare for a boxer to possess power late on, especially worrying for Mayweather and Pacquiao as these knockouts are against much bigger men.

Fitness and athletic ability gets the 3rd spot. Martinez’s early life as a cyclist and football player surely is a part of his dynamic fitness which is extremely impressive, especially at 37 years old, who will be 38 in February. The reactions and reflexes the argentine has are impeccable which is why his unorthodox style we covered previously works so well. Although Mayweather and Pacquiao are some of the finest tuned athletes in the world a bigger Martinez would give them a run for their money, literally.

Coming second place, although can be argued both for the pound for pound stars. There is no blueprint on how to beat Martinez, having not lost convincingly since 12 years ago to Antonio Margarito. Sergio seems to look better with each fighter, whereas Pacquiao hasn’t looked as explosive, powerful or menacing since knocking out Miguel Cotto in 2009. Mayweather had his most competitive fight last time around against Cotto. My overall point being although there is no blueprint to definably beat Pacquiao, Mayweather and Martinez but the argentine appears to have got better whereas the others appear to have ever so slightly declined.

At number one 1, simply in my opinion there is far more risk, due to all of the reasons mentioned above for Pacquiao or Mayweather to fight Sergio Gabriel Martínez than there is boxing one another. The super fight between the American and Filipino would also make far more money.

Obviously this whole debate could be turned on its head depending on the star’s future.

The fourth battle for Pacquiao, with Juan Manuel Márquez is tonight.

Sergio is set to battle underrated Brit, Martin Murray in April.

The boxing world awaits news for Mayweather’s rumoured two fights in 2013.



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