Sergio has fought the likes of Kermit Cintron, Paul Williams (twice), and Kelly Pavlik recently to prove he is the top jr. middleweight/ middleweight champion of the world. His devastating KO over Williams last night just cemented that to the boxing world. What happens now is for Sergio and his promotional company to decide. One thing I'm sure most of us can agree on is that their is no shortage of big names that Sergio can face. Possible opposition from jr. middleweight includes Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Paul Williams III, Kermit Cintron II, Miguel Cotto, Antonio Margarito II, Shane Mosley, Alfredo Angulo, Sergio Mora, and James Kirkland. Possible opposition from the super middleweight division includes Kelly Pavlik II, Lucian Bute, and the super six marquee names like Carl Frosch, Arthur Abraham, Mikkel Kessler, Andre Dirrell, Andre Ward, and Glen Johnson. The catch is that the midddleweight division is not as lucrative and Sergio is at cross roads since he lacks superstar power to make the demands that some of the names listed can and will do so. Therefore, Sergio will most likely have to make a move down or up to face these names. How far up and how far down is key. Sergio is 35 and he does not have a lot of time left. I'm sure that he will try to make a money decision but I sure hope its a smart one..WAR SERGIO!!! :bbb
But didn't Martinez say he can only make 156 lbs? So that already scratches out all the LMW champions in one stroke. Well, unless catchweight.
If Sergio cannot get big name fights, he should emulate Carlos Monzon's approach in 1972 and defend the title four times in 2011. Each should be against the best 160 pounders like Priog, Sturm (would be huge in Germany), etc. and for the most money. By 2012, if he wins all impressively, with HBO exposure, he will be a big star and will be able to command the big fights.
With his conditioning and almost no wear and tear, he can probably fight at this level for three more years, until 38. I agree he should go after the biggest fights, if he can get them. However, in lieu of that, he should stay active and fight the best at 160.
SMW seems more likely than LMW. Lots of good fights up there. He has what it takes to mix it with any of them. 3 weight Champ.
Hes in a tough position because he already beat all the guys that would present the toughest challenges and the big money fights are below 156. he may be better off going up than down IMO. Tougher challenge, but Pacquiao and Mayweather are not the easiest guys to negotiate with and really martinez is just too big for them.
I agree with this. Sergio can became a star in his own right, he doesn't have to rely on his opponents to sell tickets. 4 fights in 2011 against credible opponents would be an excellent idea.