HBO really hates Sergio Martinez (Great Read)

[PRINCE O' PROSE]

Things can't always go against a guy as long as they continue to perform well~

Not that I disagree that HBO has given Martinez opportunities, just to say that his success has clearly been inadvertent to their plans.

I think it's a shame that Martinez hasn't been treated better in general. He is the true champion at 160 and has had his belts taken from him unreasonably.

I think HBO should do their best to get him on the network as often as possible. He's one of the best fighters in the world, he's willing to fight anyone and he's entertaining. But at the same time, the big names at 147-154 aren't willing to face him, and there are no big names in his own division.

If you want to fight the best, why not do a deal with Pirog, Sturm or Golovkin for a fight on Showtime? If you want big money then challenge Bute or Kessler and then if you win the Super Six winner is right there for you. It's a very hard task, of course, but HBO can't magic a big fight for him out of mid-air so there aren't that many options.

Pirog accepted a lowball purse offer to go America and face a GBP fighter on a GBP show. Martinez isn't the only one in the division who has less opportunities than his talents deserve and has to do things the hard way.

But I'm a bit tired of DiBella moaning about it. The same HBO system that isn't fully supporting Martinez gave Berto ridiculous paydays for fighting hand-picked journeymen. Lou milks the system for all it's worth but then turns around and complains when it doesn't benefit him for once.

Yeah, top-flight post. I always liked Lou's fierce protectiveness of his fighters, but he should think about showing some initiative and taking some risks with Martinez now instead of just bitching. It's hard to see HBO putting a 'big fight' on a plate for Martinez, so his team need to seek out some sensation for him with some kind of ambitious plan for a series of fights.

[ThePrince]

Top Rank should've scouted Sergio better when his adviser tried to get them to sign him. A guy with Maravilla's talent, looks, and personality would be gold in Arum's hands.

[The Gambler1981]

Not that I disagree that HBO has given Martinez opportunities, just to say that his success has clearly been inadvertent to their plans.

Well yea they built him more as an opponent and he managed to do something more. He is in a shitty spot really with not that many quality options, sucks for him that HBO doesn't like anybody at 154 or 160 (currently speaking) if they did I am sure Sergio would be who they would want to match with them.

[Ray*]

It's not an easy job to promote a fighter like Martinez, he was a late bloomer, he doesn't have the sort of boxing loving community that could also help his profile, if he was Mexican or from the PR then promoting would have been easier even at his old age, and this is why di bella is still hanging on HBO for everything to do with Martinez.

[RichardP]

you think?

he has no fanbase and he's already in his mid 30's.

MID? that fool passed mid and on his way to early 40's..

[check hook]

HBO is part of the problem in boxing. They pander too much to Al Haymon, which is why Williams got everything he wanted in the reamtch, challegnig for Sergio's MW title. The fact that Martinez cracked his chin open like a walnut was sweet justice.

[j.one]

It's not an easy job to promote a fighter like Martinez, he was a late bloomer, he doesn't have the sort of boxing loving community that could also help his profile, if he was Mexican or from the PR then promoting would have been easier even at his old age, and this is why di bella is still hanging on HBO for everything to do with Martinez.

Late bloomer or not he's producing exciting fights right now, HBO should at very least find him something else a boxing after dark or something. If your only as good as your last fight Sergio is on fire. I could see if he showed his age or was looking bad, but it seems like right now older fighters are producing better fights.

The problem is that Sergio is destroying people and no one wants to fight him if they do not have to. The current state of boxing is to find a safe opponent and good money, as opposed to simply trying to put on the best possible bouts.

What speaks volumes is that no one wants to fight him and fans of top fighters will give there guy an excuse to not fight him, yet anyone at the top would love to have his name on there resume. Margarito fans say it as much as possible, most would agree Sergio was green and Margarito was better when they fought but if worse comes to worse rematch that or something, many want to see Sergio fight soon.

[Ray*]

Am actually talking about what Lou diBella could or couldn't do with Martinez since HBO seem to be dragging their feet even though Martinez has been doing everything that HBO required of him..

Late bloomer or not he's producing exciting fights right now, HBO should at very least find him something else a boxing after dark or something. If your only as good as your last fight Sergio is on fire. I could see if he showed his age or was looking bad, but it seems like right now older fighters are producing better fights.

The problem is that Sergio is destroying people and no one wants to fight him if they do not have to. The current state of boxing is to find a safe opponent and good money, as opposed to simply trying to put on the best possible bouts.

What speaks volumes is that no one wants to fight him and fans of top fighters will give there guy an excuse to not fight him, yet anyone at the top would love to have his name on there resume. Margarito fans say it as much as possible, most would agree Sergio was green and Margarito was better when they fought but if worse comes to worse rematch that or something, many want to see Sergio fight soon.

[j.one]

Am actually talking about what Lou diBella could or couldn't do with Martinez since HBO seem to be dragging their feet even though Martinez has been doing everything that HBO required of him..

I see what you mean, I am just really confused on why they wouldn't want to do something with Sergio who is hot right now, with a line up that is already looking nice adding another p4p fighter would only add to the networks credibility as the leader in boxing.

[j.one]

Did the guy in your sig ever walk again? My god thats a horrible break.