I think HBO has played a massive role in not making the Pirog fight happen. But at the same time, surely Martinez and his promoter should continue at it, and demand HBO show some leeway? I get the impression that they're actually not too motivated in attempting to clear out the 160 division (and definitely not going to 168!), and instead, have got their eyes glued on the smaller guys for the paydays. I'm massive Sergio fan, but honestly, he's losing steam (if he hasn't lost it all already) since his destruction of Williams. He'd have fought two nobodies by the end of this weekend, and people have him contesting Manny's and Floyd's P4P thrones :huh? I understand that opponents have been difficult to find, but still, his 2011 has been pretty disappointing, if we're being brutally honest. A lot of it has been out of his control, but that's the way it is.
HBO has a huge say in who Martinez fights next. I think they've donated a large portion of their budget to other fights, and haven't really left much for Martinez. That's why they've turned to the Dzinziruks and Barkers as opponents for him, because nobodies like these won't demand much money. Pirog, a belt holder, obviously won't settle for peanuts. So HBO have shown no interest in bringing him over to fight Martinez. I think that's the deal. I'm not sure. Best person to ask his BigBone. He's been following Martinez' situation closely.