By Rick Reeno

BoxingScene.com was advised by multiple sources with knowledge of the situation, that WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez is currently without a dance partner for his scheduled HBO televised return on March 12.

Martinez had initially planned to honor his mandatory obligation with interim-champion Sebastian Zbik. HBO had no interest in purchasing Martinez-Zbik. The next option was Andy Lee, but the network is also resistant to that idea.

A deal appeared to be close for a fight between Martinez and unbeaten WBO 154-pound champion Sergei Dzinziruk. An overseas source told BoxingScene that there was miscommunication between the promoters and HBO on the exact amount of the licensing fee, and as a result the proposed deal fell into limbo.