"I was very proud to be WBO champion. I appreciate the great opportunity Paco give me. To be champion is a privilege, but the belts are owned by the sanctioning bodies. Sometimes they make incorrect decisions. I feel that he was too strict with me and didn't give me the choice. It's HBO's choice to choose the next challenge for me, and that is coming," stated middleweight king Sergio Martinez as he shared his thoughts on the WBO's recent decision to strip him of his middleweight title. Check out what both he and his adviser, Sampson Lewkowicz, had to say about his future plans, the possibility of being a "Plan B" for Floyd Mayweather and much more.
MJ: How do you feel about the WBO's decision to strip you of the middleweight title?
SM: I was very proud to be WBO champion. I appreciate the great opportunity Paco give me. To be champion is a privilege, but the belts are owned by the sanctioning bodies. Sometimes they make incorrect decisions. I feel that he was too strict with me and didn't give me the choice. It's HBO's choice to choose the next challenge for me, and that is coming.
SL: We need to obey the bylaws of the sanctioning bodies, however, significant boxers make significance when given the belt. Always there is an exception to the rule. The WBO is supposed to have an exception for exceptional champions like Martinez.
MJ: What can we expect next for Sergio?
SL: I had a conversation before his fight with Mr. [Ross] Greenburg and I told him that Martinez is always in the backseat. Mr. Greenburg said if he beat Kelly Pavlik, he'd be driving the car. I expect nothing less from HBO. Maravilla is an HBO fighter who earned that distinguished position.
MJ: Would you say that you're a "Plan B" for Mayweather, should he not fight Pacquiao?
SL: I'd say it's definitely accurate.
MJ: Do you want the Mayweather fight right now?
SM: Mayweather is king and he makes the decisions. Mayweather is the best pound-for-pound fighter; it would be a privilege and honor to fight him. I'm waiting for this challenge.
SL: We're waiting to see what HBO and Mayweather do.
MJ: What other fighters are on your radar, should the Mayweather fight not materialize?
SL: If Mayweather decides not to fight Sergio, HBO owes Martinez a fight before the year is over. I strongly believe that he's in the top three fighters that fans like to see. It's Manny, Mayweather and Martinez. He would fight anyone from HBO at 154 or 160. Jose Sulaiman was very kind to give us this opportunity to keep fighting for the WBC title, because he understands it's the decision of the networks to pick our opponent. We appreciate his kindness.
MJ: Are there any other fights coming up with your fighters?
SL: Victor Cayo accepted the fight with Marvin Cordova. We asked for an ESPN date and are waiting for the answer. Chris John is fighting Fernando Saucedo on July 26 in Jakarta. Michael Katsidis should have an announcement soon, hopefully versus Amir Khan or the winner of Marquez vs. Diaz.