By Rick Reeno
Sampson Lewkowicz, the adviser to WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez (50-2-2, 28KOs), wanted to respond to a recent article on BoxingScene.com, where Martinez was named as a potential fall opponent for WBC 154-pound champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (41-0-1, 30KOs).
Canelo has a dangerous fight ahead on April 20th in San Antonio, when he faces WBA champion Austin Trout (26-0, 14KOs). If Canelo is successful, he plans to fight again on September 14th - and named Martinez, Miguel Cotto and Alfredo Angulo as potential opponents.
On April 27th in Argentina, Martinez will defend his title against Martin Murray (25-0-1, 11KOs). If Martinez wins, he also plans to fight again in the fall.
Lewkowicz says Martinez is ready and willing to fight Canelo next - but only if the fight takes place on HBO, where Martinez has a three fight agreement. Showtime carried Canelo's last defense in September, and they plan to showcase the unification with Trout.
Lewkowicz also ruled out the possibility of a catch-weight, stating that Canelo would have to move up to 160-pounds.
"Martinez would be more than happy to fight Canelo on September 14th - but only if the fight happens on HBO. Canelo would have to walk back across the street and fight Martinez on HBO," Lewkowicz said to BoxingScene.com.
"And I don't think Canelo should mention Martinez's name unless he truly intends to fight him. The fight would also have to happen at 160. The only boxer Martinez would fight at 154, is Floyd Mayweather Jr., who Martinez considers to be the number one fighter in the sport pound-for-pound. Martinez would have no problem beating an undefeated Mexican fighter, on Mexican Independence Day, for the second consecutive year."
"However, based on my many years as matchmaker - I would advise Canelo to seriously worry about his next fight."