Martinez will want to make a statement tonight and knock Barker out, will look to fight Mayweather next

By Dallan O’ Donnell: WBC Diamond middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, largely considered the most dangerous star in boxing today, steps back in the ring tonight to take on England’s undefeated star Darren Barker.

Martinez has found it difficult to find opponents of late, which is no real surprise as potential opponents see him as too big a risk to fight because of his superiority in the ring. Martinez will beat his overmatched opponent tonight hopefully someone will be brave enough to take the challenge. That person could be Floyd Mayweather Jr.

There was talk earlier in the week of Mayweather looking to fight Martinez next year which would be a huge statement on intent from Floyd and great news for Martinez as he deserves the big pay day he would undoubtedly receive. In my opinion Martinez could beat Mayweather. He is good enough and has height and strength advantages over the worlds pound for pound fighter. He must get over tonight first. If he knocks Barker out which i expect him to do, then Mayweather looms on the horizon and Mayweather vs. Martinez sounds better to me than Mayweather vs. Pacquaio.

Pacquaio has been offered the Martinez fight several times now and Martinez has even offered to come down in weight to face the Pac-man but every time Pacquaio has rebuffed the offers as he and his team realize that Martinez is too good. Even if the Mayweather fight doesn’t materialize hopefully the likes of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Saul Alvarez and possibly the winner of the Miguel Cotto- Antonio Margarito bout step up and take the fight. We are always guaranteed entertainment when Martinez fights and tonight will be no exception.