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Sergio Martinez Vs Matthew Macklin: BOXING NEWS

By Geno McGahee

On November 20th, 2010, Sergio Martinez, 48-2-2, 27 KO’s, scored a spectacular second round knockout of Paul Williams. It was broadcast live on HBO, made the sports highlight reels on the nightly news and sent a message to the boxing world that eh was ready to take on Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather, JR. Martinez made all the sense in the world for a showdown with Floyd, but the demand wasn’t there. Much like the big name boxers, the fans haven’t been overly receptive to Martinez.

Instead of a big PPV showdown, Martinez has beaten unknowns in the United States, like Serhiy Dzinziruk and Darren Barker. On Saturday, he takes on Matthew Macklin, 28-3, 19 KO’s, another unknown and another opponent that does little to help the push for a showdown.

At 37, the time is winding down for Martinez to make a big splash and top his career with a victory over an elite fighter. He has beaten some very good fighters like Williams and Kelly Pavlik, but he needs “the fight” against the winner of Mayweather – Miguel Cotto or Manny Pacquiao.

Although Macklin is an unknown, he does come off a controversial split decision loss to Felix Sturm, the WBA Middleweight Champion. Most observers that watched the fight had Macklin winning. He is highly motivated going into this opportunity and Martinez may have his hands full. Against Darren Barker, he had difficulties getting a rhythm and the fight was nearly dead even when he scored the stoppage victory. If Macklin can take what he’s learned there and press the older Martinez, he may pull off a major upset.

A lot rides on Saturday’s fight. Win or lose, I suspect that Martinez will still be ignored.

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