By Rick Reeno
Lou DiBella, promoter for middleweight king Sergio Martinez (48-2-2, 27KOs), confirmed BoxingScene.com's report from early this morning , indicating that minor discussions have taken place with respect to a fall clash between Martinez and WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (45-0-1, 31KOs). Martinez became the mandatory challenger at last December's WBC convention in Las Vegas.
Before any serious negotiations take place, Martinez has to beat Matthew Macklin later tonight at New York's Madison Square Garden. If Martinez is victorious, DiBella plans to start serious discussions with Top Rank's CEO, Bob Arum, on Monday.
"I hope that it happens. Sergio has a real tough fight tonight. If Sergio pulls through, I will be calling Bob on Monday to discuss that fight," DiBella told BoxingScene.com.
According to Julio's father, the legendary Chavez Sr., the tentative date on hold for a Martinez fight is September 15th in Las Vegas.
On his end, Chavez Jr. has a scheduled defense on June 16th in El Paso, Texas, likely against British challenger Martin Murray.
DiBella doesn't rule out the possibility of Martinez taking another fight before a potentional meeting with Chavez in the fall.
"Sergio may take a fight in-between then. It depends on how things go tonight," DiBella said.