When Sergio Martinez (48-2-2) steps between the ropes on Saturday night for HBO's 'Boxing After Dark' presentation, he won't only be fighting Matthew Macklin (28-3), but at 37 years old, also father time.
Albeit a 37 year old boxer that didn't take up the sport until he was 20. That and the fact that he hasn't been any true "wars" over his pro career, outside of the battle versus Paul Williams.
“At 37, he’s not a youngster chronologically, but he hasn’t taken a lot of punishment as a fighter,” promoter Lou DiBella said.
After Martinez's last fight, a lackluster outing against Darren Barker in spite of a win via KO, the doubters began to be heard over the cheers. But Martinez credits the less than average performance to an elbow injury sustained during training which he then aggravated during the bout.
“I threw a punch the wrong way and it really began to hurt me,” Martinez said.
Being Martinez is a southpaw, this would help explain the way the fight went down.
With Pacman vs. Mayweather Jr. in the backseat right now, there have been rumblings about a 'Money' vs. Martinez show down.
“If Sergio Martinez can make 150lbs, let’s make the fight happen. Like I said, there are no excuses. I’m a little different than other guys. He’s got a very, very impressive style.”
Martinez isn't hearing any of it.
For now.
“I’m not worried about Mayweather right now. This fight [with Macklin] is the most important thing in the world to me right now. Nothing else matters.”
Macklin comes in on the heels of a hard fought, controversial, split decision loss to Felix Sturm back in July of 2011.
Look for Martinez to turn-up the intensity for this one, getting the win by TKO before the final bell.
Check back for post-fight results from this event.
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