I think Khan is probably the best fight he could get at this point. That's if Khan's still interested. I think Canelo for his next fight was a bad idea, even though it's not happening anymore.
I agree though. He's still young, still got a few years left in him. Fight a couple of tune-up matches and rebuild. He will be psychologically scarred by this latest result.
I think it's hard to tell, especially because his most recent opponents have been boring, defensive fighters. Martinez has been forced to press the action more and gradually break his opponent down.
However, in every fight he's proved to be faster, stronger and have more endurance than the guy in the opposite corner.
The thing with Chavez Jr. is he'll be coming forward all night, putting pressure on Martinez. He's also known to throw wide shots. This could play right into Martinez's strengths.
I don't think there has been any signs of him slipping. Even if he has slightly, you can't really knock a guy who's knocking everyone out.
I just hope he can do it again this weekend.
I covered Sonny Bill Williams' last fight here in New Zealand for the NZPBA heavyweight title.
Despite Botha being washed up and out of shape, it's a massive step up for SBW and I'm a little concerned he's going to get hurt.
However, even if he beats a washed up Botha, everyone will see he beat up an old man. Big deal.
I'm really excited for Rios v Alvarado. Everyone goes on about this being a Gatti v Ward type fight, and while that's what all fight fans dream of, this actually has the potential to come close. I've been really impressed with Alvarado's heart and power in his recent fights and would like to see him win. Whatever the result, it's sure to be brawl.
Sergio Martinez has always been a "nice guy" of boxing. He has taken his close losses respectfully, and has never disrespected an opponent like he has Chavez Jr.
The points he makes about respecting the sport are true. Chavez's disregard for making weight, committing to training with a hall of fame coach, driving drunk before a fight and questions around doping make him hard to respect. However, he's sure to be ready for this fight.
In today's press conference Chavez accused Martinez of not respecting boxing because he "runs". In his last three or four fights Martinez has pressed the action, and gone in for the kill. Just because he's fast and elusive doesn't mean he runs, it simply makes him well-rounded fighter.
The fact that the animosity between these two fighters is genuine and not scripted to promote the fight is going to make for an explosive encounter.
I say again: Martinez needs to win by stoppage or wide decision. And I mean wider than what everyone had Pacquiao v Bradley scored. I don't think this can be left in the hands of judges.
I hope Lopez turns this into a messy brawl and forces to have his first real fight. Lopez ate some real bombs from Ortiz, he could create some problems.
It could just be the photos, but Sergio doesn't look well in the face.
I'll be backing him on the fight. I'm not confident he'll win it, but I feel he deserves this kind of recognition after some questionable decisions and his difficulty to land big fights.
It's going to come down to who imposes their fight strategy most effectively. Very different fighters. Either way, it should be a good battle.
Great photos. I think Cotto represents everything good in boxing. He's had some great wars and shown a lot of heart; he's very technically very good; he always works hard and comes in on weight; he performed well, and better than most, against the best of his generation; he's humble and shows respect (except to Margarito) - he's a true champion.
I always look forward to a Cotto fight because, whether it's blood and guts or a boxing lesson, you know you're gonna get a good show.
If Martinez can keep his emotions in check and stay calm I think he will win. He needs to do it convincingly, though. Either by messing up Chavez Jr's face - closing his eyes, opening cuts, so he wins by a wide decision, or by knocking him out. I don't think he'll get a close decision.
I don't think Chavez Jr will be able to pressure-fight as effectively as he did with Rubio and Lee. Martinez is much quicker on his feet and will come at Chavez Jr from awkward angles. It's going to be a very tough night for both fighters. I'm very much looking forward to it.