By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com was advised by Sampson Lewkowicz, agent for WBC/WBO middleweight champion Sergio Martinez, that a rematch with Kelly Pavlik will have to happen at 160-pounds per the rematch terms. There have been rumors that Pavlik might have trouble getting back to 160 and may request a catch-weight of 164. Lewkowicz tells BoxingScene they will not consider a rematch at a catch-weight of 164-pounds or otherwise. Pavlik has until May 17 to exercise or waive the rematch clause.
Martinez continues his tour of receiving title belts. He travels to Puerto Rico next week to officially receive his WBO middleweight title. A few days he officially received the WBC title in Mexico. The WBC will give Martinez a few extra weeks to decide whether he plans to drop the title at 154-pounds or remain at 160.
"I know a lot of fighters today feel like they don't need the titles, but at some point in their careers they needed a title to be recognized. Many of the champions today became recognized because of a belt they won from one of the sanctioning bodies. Martinez is very proud to have four titles, the WBO, WBC and Ring Magazine title at 160, and the WBC title at 154. Through an eliminator [at 154] the WBC gave him the opportunity to be a champion and get recognized. Martinez is very proud of his titles and he's very proud to go to Puerto Rico next week to get his WBO title," Lewkowicz told BoxingScene.com.
