Mayweather vs Martinez: Too Much of a Risky Fight for 'Money' to Take?

As Matthew Macklin hit the canvas last Saturday night, undoubtedly Sergio Martinez's thoughts must have focused once again on the boxer that he wants to fight the most—Floyd Mayweather.

Martinez has made no attempt to disguise the fact that Mayweather is on the top of his hit list.

Overtures have already been made by Ring Magazine's third ranked pound-for-pound fighter that he is willing to take on the undefeated superstar for next to no money and at Mayweather's preferred welterweight limit.

After the Macklin fight, Martinez's promoter Lou DiBella made the proposals very clear in an interview with FightHype.Com.

Mayweather must first get past Miguel Cotto on May 5th, 2012, in Las Vegas. Presuming he does and there is no major upset, Mayweather will have plenty of options for his next bout. Amir Khan, Saul Alvarez and of course Manny Pacquiao are the obvious choices.

If the Manny Pacquiao fight does not come off for Mayweather, a career defining fight against Sergio Martinez would be a perfect secondary option.

The question is whether Mayweather would be willing to take on a very respected and dangerous fighter with a clear height and reach advantage who is very much in his prime.

Although Martinez's last three fights have been against middle-class opposition, his exciting style has still been fun to watch whilst dominating his opponents. More than anything it has been obvious that his opponents have all struggled to counter his awkward southpaw stance.

Mayweather is without a doubt one of the most technically gifted fighters of all time and is imperious fighting on the counter. Martinez has proved to be hellishly aggressive, so it would make for a perfect clash of styles.

Could Mayweather fight off such relentless pressure enough to match Martinez on the defensive? Would Mayweather have the time to figure Martinez out before being battered into submission?

On the flip side, does Martinez have the speed and timing to catch Mayweather? Is Martinez likely to get disheartened if he fails to land enough punches?

Can the fight be made? Once again, this all falls down to Mayweather. After his intended stay at the pleasure of the local jail, the world will be hoping that the Pacquiao fight will be made. This is still highly unlikely.

But a Sergio Martinez vs Floyd Mayweather fight is certainly a perfect secondary option. But will "Money" step up to the plate?