By John F. McKenna (McJack): World middleweight champion Sergio Martinez (47-2-2, 26 KO’s) has repeatedly called out welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) in an effort to entice them into the ring with him. The reason Martinez wants to fight Pacquiao is clear. At 36 years old he is well known to boxing fans but he is not yet a household name and time is running out for Sergio.

Martinez gained some notoriety when he took Kelly Pavlik’s middleweight title with a one sided twelve round decision in April of 2010. Sergio followed up that victory with a stunning 2nd round knockout over Paul William last November. The knockout over Williams made boxing fan sit up and take notice.

Martinez, in the twilight of his career desperately wants a big money fight.
The problem Martinez has is twofold. There are no exciting fighters in the middleweight division who would bring in the kind of money he wants. The second part of Martinez’s dilemma is that he does not want to step up to 168 pounds where there are some big name fighters. Sergio would instead prefer for Pacquiao to step up yet again in class to face him.

Martinez has stated that he does not expect Pacquiao to come all the way up to 160 pounds. He is willing to come down to 154 pounds to make the fight happen. Well isn’t that a noble gesture on Sergio’s part?

Manny began his career at 108 pounds and has moved up through eight weight divisions. It is absurd to think that he should sacrifice his career to step up and engage Martinez. Any fighter, even Manny Pacquiao can only step up in class so many times.

When Antonio Margarito entered the ring against Manny Pacquiao last November he had rehydrated to the point where he was a full 17 pounds heavier than Pacquiao. It would probably be a similar situation in a Martinez – Pacquiao matchup.

Manny Pacquiao and his brain trust did not get to where they are by being victimized by other fighters and their managers. Bob Arum, as much as many people do not like him is no fool. He is not going to let anything happen to the cash cow that is Manny Pacquiao.

After repeated efforts by Sergio Martinez to get Manny Pacquio into the ring, it is time that Sergio takes a reality check. Team Pacquiao has no intention of letting Manny fight Sergio Martinez anytime soon.