On June 7th, 2014, in Madison Square Garden in New York, Sergio Martinez defends his Ring Magazine and WBC World Middleweight championship against former three division World Champion, Miguel Cotto. At a phone conference that took place today, Sergio answered questions about his knee, why its irritating to concede things when champion, and why Cotto is a Diva. Sergio is from Argentina, and has posted an impressive record of 51-2-2 with 28 KO’s. He is a confident sort and well spoken. But he prefers to let his fists do the talking. In answering the question about whether the many concessions Cotto has demanded is going to add anything to this match, he responded point blank. “There’s no hatred. I’m a Pro. I am focused on the fight.” Sergio explained. “Words are over. Its time for the fight. Words dont mean anything anymore.”
Sergio has been training in Spain and just moved camp to Miami, Florida. He had surgery on his knee which has been a point of contention, since at 39, many feel he is ripe for the picking. But he simply does not believe so. “The knee is feeling great, I am running on the treadmill. Its been a great camp.” Sergio pointed out. “The recovery was very painful. I was on crutches for nine months. It was a hard road but I enjoy coming back. I am just the same, overcoming all obstacles.”
Miguel Cotto has been making alot of demands and Sergio has conceded to many of them. It unusual for a champion to do this, but Cotto’s star power has allowed him the leverage. Sergio was irritated with these a short while ago prompting him to call Cotto, a “Diva.” He even accepted a provision to fight at a catchweight of 159 pounds or below. Its not going to be a big issue.” Martinez explained. “I always wanted this fight so to get it I have had to swallow things we dont normally swallow.” Sergio has always wanted to fight at Madison Square Garden but this arena happens to be a home ground of sorts for Cotto. The crowd that evening is expected to be mostly pro-Cotto with alot of Puerto Ricans expected to attend. But Martinez is not moved at a possible road match with judges that may be apt to score for the hometown boxer. “It does not matter if the judges are being swayed.” Sergio bragged. “They won’t have to do much work because its not going the scheduled distance.”
Sergio has been thinking about his legacy in the game. Its why he has given up alot to make this fight possible. He recognizes that he is facing the biggest Pay-per-view fighter, the biggest name he has ever fought. “I’m not going to pretend, this fight is huge.” Sergio admitted. But with a shrug of his shoulders he also reminded everyone who the natural big man in this fight is. “The real Cotto does not have power outside of 147 pounds. I am the power puncher in this case.” But as if to keep them all guessing, Sergio contradicted himself somewhat he he unveiled his strategy for winning this fight. “The biggest factor in this fight is the intelligence I am going to use in this fight.” So its the Puerto Rican Diva versus the brasher. more powerful Argentine. At least thats how Sergio sees it June 7th.
