By Rick Reeno

Sampson Lewkowicz, adviser to WBC middleweight champion Sergio Martinez (50-2-2, 28KOs), advised BoxingScene.com that his boxer's next fight will likely take place in the month of May. Martinez is scheduled to undergo surgery on his right knee next week in Madrid. During Saturday's twelve round unanimous decision victory over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Martinez suffered a variety of injuries - including a broken left hand, eight stitches over his left eye, two staples in his head, and torn ligaments in his right knee.

"Martinez will likely return in May. We have to see what the doctor says, but I believe he will be back in May. At the moment we don't want to discuss any opponents, but once we confirm how long Martinez will be out, then we will explore the possibilities," Lewkowicz told BoxingScene.com.

Following Martinez's victory over Chavez, former champion and Golden Boy Promotions partner Bernard Hopkins tweeted a message to his fans - "Canelo beats Martinez easily." Hopkins was making a reference to Golden Boy's star fighter, WBC 154-pound champion Saul "Canelo" Alvarez, who also fought on Saturday night and beat down Josesito Lopez over five rounds.

"I respect and love Bernard Hopkins. I consider him to be a dear friend. However, I have learned over the years that you have to bet on the opposite of whatever Hopkins picks. He picked Oscar De La Hoya to easily beat Manny Pacquiao. He picked Victor Ortiz to easily beat Josesito Lopez. So I've learned that whoever Hopkins picks to win, you have to go with the opposite," Lewkowicz said.

Lewkowicz also praised WBC/WBA super middleweight champion Andre Ward. In an earlier article on BoxingScene, Ward praised Martinez for his victory over Chavez Jr.

"Andre Ward is a great champion and very respectful young man. We need more champions like this, who have an honorable character and display great intelligence," Lewkowicz said.