By Chris Robinson
Middleweight king Sergio Martinez makes it a practice to visit the Las Vegas area on a regular basis, whether his business is tied to his own personal career or to other vested interests. On Saturday he was looking dapper from ringside, present inside of the MGM Grand to show support to his friend Michael Katsidis.
Martinez is coming off of an impressive 8th round TKO over previously unbeaten Sergiy Dzinziruk last month, a win that highlighted the magnificent stretch of performances he has put together over the past few years. Now regarded as one of the world's best fighters, the soft-spoken Argentinean admitted that it feels great to have finally gotten the respect he has so desperately been craving in his 13-year career.
"I'm very proud that people are really looking up to me and recognizing me," said Martinez. "I'm very proud of my position this moment. I need to continue working to prove even more that I am number one and this year it will happen."
If Martinez does indeed have intentions of claiming the mantel as the sport's finest, it won't come without a serious amount of work as WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao currently holds that distinction. The Filipino star is getting ready for a May 7th defense of his belt against Shane Mosley and while Martinez concedes that Pacquiao is the man, he feels his time on top is running out.
"He's the best fighter at this moment. He's the number one now but he has only a short time to be number one. But he has all my respect," Martinez continued.
I had found it odd in previous Martinez interviews that he has seemed to be dismissive towards Pacquiao while heaping praise upon flamboyant Floyd Mayweather Jr., whom he has admitted would be a greater threat. I again asked Sergio why Floyd was so special yet his reply left much to be desired.
"When he is active again he can come back and be the number one," Martinez coined.
Sitting mere feet away from Martinez, I was shocked at how young he looks despite being only 36 years of age. It's also true that he has shown great longevity as a pro and I asked where his youthful persona came from.
"It's [due to] my mother but I'm only joking," Martinez quipped. "The key to everything is to be healthy in life."
While Martinez's talents are undeniable, there seems to be no real super fights on his horizon at 160 pounds. I finished our brief rap session by asking him just how long he planned on continuing his pursuit of greatness.
"Until I have no more motivation to continue fighting."