By Elisinio Castillo

WBC middleweight champion Sergio 'Maravilla' Martinez (52-2-2, 28KOs), 39-years-old, will not continue fighting for much longer. He knows his time in the sport is coming to a close in the near future. He does not want to make the same mistake as other fighters, who continued fighting beyond their best years.

Martinez will defend his title against former three division world champion Miguel Cotto (38-4, 31KOs) on June 7th at New York's Madison Square Garden. 

"Today, [Cotto] is my goal. I'm really enjoying all of this, as always. A while ago, seeing myself walking on crutches, I thought seriously about quitting boxing. The subject of my knee had me inactive for nine months, by medical order. Now that the crutches are left behind and I'll return to the ring once again, I can not think of anything else," Martinez told TV Sports.

"The end is near and yes I have thought about it, because I want to have a great farewell. I do not want to make the same mistake as just about everyone else...not knowing when to quit. Carlos Monzon, Marvin Hagler, 'Finito' Lopez retired at the right time, but not very many do that and I want to follow that example [of retiring at the right time]."

When Martinez retires, he will focus more of his energy on his promotional company and other business ventures.