Sergio Martinez considers his recent success a catch-22. Within the last three years, he has captured world title belts in two weight classes, is recognized as the linear middleweight champion of the world by the media, and only seems to get better in the ring after each outing. He has amassed a following of fight fans, especially becoming more popular with the ladies due to his good looks, something that a few men envy. On the flip side, his success has led to few boxers wishing to fight the popular Argentine. Or as Martinez claims in previous interviews, a few fighters he wishes to fight hide behind their promoters. Still, he is thankful and eager to fight unbeaten Darren Barker, unknown to fight fans in the United States, at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ on October 1st.
?I actually want to thank him,? Martinez said to Fightnews.com over a recent dinner at the El Dorado Mexican restaurant in Oxnard, CA. ?He is a boxer who accepted this difficult challenge. He has stepped up and will be very motivated to fight me. It will be a difficult fight or both of us.?
Martinez is recognized as the linear champion at 160 pounds, mainly because he has not lost a title bout at 160 pounds. He was elevated to ?emeritus champion? earlier this year, which cleared the way for interim titlist Sebastian Zbik to defend the full belt in June against Julio Cesar Chavez, a fight that Chavez won by majority decision.
All along Martinez felt that he is the real titleholder, as he, in previous interviews, has said that he ?did not lose the belt in the ring, but in an office.?
It was announced last week that Chavez will defend the title belt for the first time against Ronald Hearns, Jr. on September 17th in his hometown of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. Although one would think that Martinez wishes for Chavez to lose, Martinez is actually rooting for the popular Mexican fighter.
?I actually want Chavez to win because I want to fight him (when he has the title).?
Regarding whether he thinks Hearns has a chance in the fight, Martinez responded, ?I think Hearns has to win more fights for him to even be considered a legitimate contender. He?s too young and inexperienced. If Chavez were to fight someone with more talent, then we would see him get exposed.?
Martinez (47-2-2, 26 KO?s) has enjoyed fighting not only in the United States, but also getting the exposure through his promoter, Lou DiBella, and his advisor, Sampson Lewkowicz. Martinez has fought numerous times on HBO, but the network has come under fire in recent months due to turning certain opponents down for Martinez and overpricing certain fights earlier in the year. There were even reports that HBO turned down a fight between Martinez and Zbik.
DiBella may be known for his loud and over-the-top personality, but Martinez has appreciated the work he has done for him in recent years.
?I like the way he works. He works hard in the office like I do in the ring. When he wants something, he works hard to get it.?
Martinez enjoys living near the beach in Oxnard and training down the road at the World Crown Training Center in Port Hueneme. He enjoys the Southern California weather and taking in fight cards, big and small in the area. The Los Angeles area was an option to host Martinez?s October fight before the fight landed in Atlantic City. Still, he holds out hope that his next fight will be held near his adopted hometown.
?I would love to fight in Los Angeles. I know that the Latino fight fans have a lot of love and respect for me. I want to return and fight in Los Angeles to return the favor and show my love and appreciation towards them.?
Life is good being Sergio Martinez.
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Martinez showed up at the El Dorado Mexican restaurant on Saturday night to meet and greet fans as the restaurant celebrated its grand re-opening. Martinez was able to sign autographs and take pictures with fight fans. A family traveled all the way from Fresno to meet Martinez.
The night before on Friday, lightweight world title holder Brandon Rios also took part in a meet and greet at the El Dorado.
