• Boxing

Martinez ready to take 'fatal' Pacquiao risk

ESPN staff
September 21, 2011
Sergio Martinez is considered one of the finest pound-for-pound fighters in the world © Getty Images
Enlarge

WBC middleweight title holder Sergio Martinez is so keen on fighting Manny Pacquiao that he is willing to take the bout at 150lbs.

Martinez normally competes at 160lbs, but is ready to take the step down - even though he concedes it represents a significant health risk.

With Floyd Mayweather Jnr apparently no closer to agreeing a Pacquiao clash, Martinez's offer is sure to be well supported, as he is widely considered to be in the top five pound-for-pound pugilists.

"I am willing to go down to 150lbs to face Manny Pacquiao," Martinez told BoxingScene.com. "It's an incredible effort for my body. I walk around at 78 or 79 kilos (171 to 173lbs). To go down to that weight can be fatal for my health, but it can be done. With enough time, I think it's possible to do."

Pacquiao faced off against Antonio Margarito at the 150lbs catchweight during November 2010, triumphing on a wide unanimous decision in a bout many thought should have been stopped by the referee before the final bell.

Martinez defends his title on October 1 against British fighter Darren Barker in Atlantic City, in what will be the toughest test of Barker's career by a significant margin - and his first fight since an unconvicing points triumph over Domenico Spada in April.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices