By Dallan o’ Donnell: Sergio Martinez (47-2-2, 26 KO’s) has risen from unknown to superstar within the space of two years and his meteoric rise to fame has led to him to becoming one of the hottest properties in the sport today. This has led fans to demand clashes with the bigger welterweights with Floyd Mayweather Jr and even Manny Pacquaio mentioned.

Personally I think Manny would be foolish to take the fight with Sergio as I believe Martinez is too big and too busy for him to win. Floyd Mayweather on the other hand should be able to handle the size but if Floyd won’t risk his undefeated record against Pacquaio then he certainly won’t risk it by fighting Martinez.

Another fight that has a possibility of fireworks would be Martinez against Margarito. Margarito may have been destroyed by Pacquaio but he has inflicted a defeat to Martinez and would be a very interesting re- match but the winner would have to be Sergio. He has come a long way since the Margarito clash 11 years ago and is now a better fighter.

There are three big names that may or may not have the game to stay with Martinez but one Miguel Cotto would relish a clash with Martinez and vice versa. Cotto is stronger at the bigger weights and would prove a handful for Martinez, it would certainly be an intriguing battle. Another name to add to the fire would be a long shot but worth a mention nevertheless.

Saul Alvarez is undefeated, young but vastly experienced for someone of his age, having already fought 37 times at the age of 20. Alvarez has a summer clash with Ryan Rhodes which would be an acid test for him but a bout I expect him to come through nonetheless so why not fight Martinez next? There has also been talk of Mathew Macklin as a possible opponent but in all reality I can’t see Macklin winning. Whoever Martinez wants to fight next and he has a few to choose from should be interesting and exciting to watch. There should be good times ahead for Martinez and his legion of supporters.