By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com spoke with Sampson Lewkowicz, agent for WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, to get a better idea of his fighter's direction beyond this Saturday's rematch with Paul Williams, which takes place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. If Martinez wins, Lewkowicz tells BoxingScene that a move to 168 for a Bute clash would seriously be considered if the opportunity was presented.

"A fight with Bute is something we would consider. Beyond Paul Williams, there are very few opportunities for Martinez at 154 and 160. If we don't find an opponent who is acceptable to the television network, then a big fight at 168 with someone like Bute is an option," Lewkowicz told BoxingScene.com.

One obstacle in making a Bute-Martinez deal is the network ties of both fighters. Bute recently signed an exclusive three fight package with Showtime, and the last four fights of Martinez have been televised by rival network HBO. The Williams rematch will be the fifth consecutive HBO appearance for Martinez.

While Martinez is not contractually bound to HBO, Lewkowicz says his fighter is very loyal to the network. At the same time, Lewkowicz and Martinez are "willing to listen" to any reasonable offer for a Bute fight.

One fight Lewkowicz knows will never happen is a Martinez clash with Manny Pacquiao.

"People are always asking Martinez about a fight with Manny Pacquiao. People always talk about it, but this is a fantasy fight that will never happen - because Martinez will never fight below 154, or above 168. I believe Pacquiao will return to 147-pounds. Pacquiao is a great fighter, but I don't think he will fight someone like Martinez at 154," Lewkowicz said.