
ProboxTV’s championship series is now on the ProBoxTV YouTube channel for $5/month.
Learn MoreProboxTV’s championship series is now on the ProBoxTV YouTube channel for $5/month.
Learn MoreBy Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com received a statement from WBC/WBO middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, who wanted to clear the air about certain comments that appeared in several recently published internet reports. A few reports floating around the internet had Martinez downplaying the importance of his middleweight titles with respect to a possible fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Martinez fully denies making those comments.
The first priority for Martinez is a rematch with Kelly Pavlik. If, and only if, Pavlik waives his right to a rematch, will Martinez consider an offer to fight Mayweather. Because Mayweather has no desire to pay sanctioning fees for any of his future fights, Martinez would like to have the WBC's Diamond belt at stake. The sanctioning body created the Diamond belt for major fights. A one-time fee is required for the Diamond belt, and not a purse percentage like a normal WBC world title.
David Benavidez has no shortage of HUGE fights on his radar. In an exclusive interview with BoxingScene, Jose Benavidez Sr. makes it clear that David still wants the biggest names at 175lbs including Dmitry Bivol and Artur Beterbiev. Benavidez has previously said those are two fights he wants to make as he pursues more titles and major challenges. But there’s another name that could make things very interesting: Andy Ruiz Jr. Jose discusses the possibility of an all-Mexican showdown between Benavidez and the former heavyweight champion, along with David’s plans across multiple divisions. And with a potential Jai Opetaia showdown also building after the pair came face-to-face following Opetaia’s latest victory, Benavidez has some massive options ahead.

"The titles are very important to me. I respect all of the sanctioning bodies. If a fight with Mayweather were to happen, it would be a great fight, and I would love to do it for the WBC's Diamond belt," Martinez said.