Sergio Martinez says that Pacquiao's days as the world's best are numbered

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by cuco10701, Apr 11, 2011.


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  1. cuco10701

    cuco10701 Well-Known Member Full Member

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    By Chris Robinson,- Mon, 11 Apr 2011
    Middleweight king Sergio Martinez makes it a practice to visit the Las Vegas area on a regular basis, whether his business is tied to his own personal career or to other vested interests. On Saturday he was looking dapper from ringside, present inside of the MGM Grand to show support to his friend Michael Katsidis.

    Martinez is coming off of an impressive 8th round TKO over previously unbeaten Sergiy Dzinziruk last month, a win that highlighted the magnificent stretch of performances he has put together over the past few years. Now regarded as one of the world's best fighters, the soft-spoken Argentinean admitted that it feels great to have finally gotten the respect he has so desperately been craving in his 13-year career.

    "I'm very proud that people are really looking up to me and recognizing me," said Martinez. "I'm very proud of my position this moment. I need to continue working to prove even more that I am number one and this year it will happen."

    If Martinez does indeed have intentions of claiming the mantel as the sport's finest, it won't come without a serious amount of work as WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao currently holds that distinction. The Filipino star is getting ready for a May 7th defense of his belt against Shane Mosley and while Martinez concedes that Pacquiao is the man, he feels his time on top is running out.

    "He's the best fighter at this moment. He's the number one now but he has only a short time to be number one. But he has all my respect," Martinez continued.

    I had found it odd in previous Martinez interviews that he has seemed to be dismissive towards Pacquiao while heaping praise upon flamboyant Floyd Mayweather Jr., whom he has admitted would be a greater threat. I again asked Sergio why Floyd was so special yet his reply left much to be desired.

    "When he is active again he can come back and be the number one," Martinez coined.


    Sitting mere feet away from Martinez, I was shocked at how young he looks despite being only 36 years of age. It's also true that he has shown great longevity as a pro and I asked where his youthful persona came from.

    "It's [due to] my mother but I'm only joking," Martinez quipped. "The key to everything is to be healthy in life."

    While Martinez's talents are undeniable, there seems to be no real super fights on his horizon at 160 pounds. I finished our brief rap session by asking him just how long he planned on continuing his pursuit of greatness.

    "Until I have no more motivation to continue fighting."
     
    cuco10701, Apr 11, 2011
    cuco10701, Apr 11, 2011
    #1
  2. cesare-borgia

    cesare-borgia Übermensch in fieri Full Member

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    Only way martinez becomes number one is if pac loses and mayweather stays inactive since he will not get a fight with either guy. I would like to see pac vs martinez at 154 though.
     
    cesare-borgia, Apr 11, 2011
    cesare-borgia, Apr 11, 2011
    #2
  3. tinorknitz

    tinorknitz Boxing Addict Full Member

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    If Martinez can make 154, Pac will shut his mouth.
     
    tinorknitz, Apr 11, 2011
    tinorknitz, Apr 11, 2011
    #3
  4. Slacker

    Slacker Big & Slow Full Member

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    I'd like to see Martinez vs. Mayweather.
     
    Slacker, Apr 11, 2011
    Slacker, Apr 11, 2011
    #4
  5. antonio8904

    antonio8904 Atheist Full Member

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    This...^

    Martinez by KO...
     
    antonio8904, Apr 11, 2011
    antonio8904, Apr 11, 2011
    #5
  6. Bladegunner

    Bladegunner Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I would like to see martinez v pac.

    Martinez by KO.
     
    Bladegunner, Apr 11, 2011
    Bladegunner, Apr 11, 2011
    #6
  7. paulfv

    paulfv Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    One problem for Martinez, though.

    Age.

    Martinez: 36

    Pac: 32

    Now, at some point Pac is just going to tire of the sport and go fully into politics. But that might come too late for the aging Martinez.

    The interviewer might think Martinez looks young, but I doubt Martinez' lungs care how young he looks. Ditto for his reflexes.

    Boxing isn't a sport for the old. Particularly for a fighter with Martinez' style.
     
    paulfv, Apr 11, 2011
    paulfv, Apr 11, 2011
    #7
  8. Guybino

    Guybino Boxing Addict Full Member

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    age will get you soon sergio, your time for challenging as the world's best are also numbered.
     
    Guybino, Apr 11, 2011
    Guybino, Apr 11, 2011
    #8
  9. cesare-borgia

    cesare-borgia Übermensch in fieri Full Member

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    yeah if martinez fights bute or ward/froch and wins then he is #1 but if he fights 154 guys then it will not be way better then pac beating mosley/jmm type of opposition.
     
    cesare-borgia, Apr 11, 2011
    cesare-borgia, Apr 11, 2011
    #9
  10. shimmy

    shimmy Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Pac or Martinez could show up old at any of their upcoming fights, every time you leave that ring you lose a little of what you came with. Both of them have had long careers and many tough wars already. Floyd isn't going to take either of those fights, he will only take fights he's sure he can win, he passed up a 50 million dollar payday to fight Pac, tells me he didn't really want that fight, he may if his gambling and tax issues keep coming forward, this is one guy we know for sure will squander away his riches and he's getting a bit long in the tooth as well. It looks like Martinez is going to end up fighting Manfredo Jr, to me thats a snorefest, Manfredo best days have been behind him for a while now, he didn't look good in winning against a spent fighter on FNF in January, he was just less spent than his opponent. Hopefully after Dibella gets done with that circus Martinez gets another big fight by years end, but I doubt it will be against Pac at 154, maybe a rematch with Pavlik at 160 or a catchweight depending on how Pavlik looks after his long lay off. Seemingly theres not many interesting fights at 160 right now. Sad.
     
    shimmy, Apr 11, 2011
    shimmy, Apr 11, 2011
    #10
  11. RJJFan

    RJJFan Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    "I don't have the urge."

    -Floyd
     
    RJJFan, Apr 11, 2011
    RJJFan, Apr 11, 2011
    #11
  12. Juiceboxbiotch

    Juiceboxbiotch Guest

    Whoa the lead singer of the Black Crows writes a pretty good boxing article.
     
    Juiceboxbiotch, Apr 11, 2011
    Juiceboxbiotch, Apr 11, 2011
    #12
  13. Hatesrats

    Hatesrats "I'm NOT Suprised..." Full Member

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    To be REAL the entire top 3 are on the way out.
    (Census top: Pac, May, Martinez.... age)
     
    Hatesrats, Apr 11, 2011
    Hatesrats, Apr 11, 2011
    #13
  14. Grillinnap

    Grillinnap Flomos are morons Full Member

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    Of course they're numbered. He will be retiring soon.
     
    Grillinnap, Apr 11, 2011
    Grillinnap, Apr 11, 2011
    #14
  15. greathamza

    greathamza Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    martinez time is also numbered
     
    greathamza, Apr 11, 2011
    greathamza, Apr 11, 2011
    #15
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