By 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.
"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.