Roach Says Sergio Martinez Is "Not a Good Fighter" and Ponders a Pacquiao Bout

The Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) named WBC and WBO middleweight champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez their “Fighter of the Year” in late-January for his dominance in the squared circle in 2010.

Martinez, who will be presented with the Sugar Ray Robinson trophy, is tentatively scheduled to receive his award May 6 in Las Vegas.

Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KO) successfully defended his crown against former two-time WBO welterweight titlist Paul “The Punisher” Williams with a violent second-round knockout in their rematch November 20.

Williams (39-2, 27 KO), a southpaw who is rightfully billed as the most “avoided fighter in the world,” defeated Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KO) by a controversial decision in December 2009.

Williams attempted to land a hook and instead walked directly into a devastating Martinez left hook that landed flush on “The Punisher’s” chin.

“I started to attack, and when I did, we knew he was going to make a mistake, because he always makes mistakes,” said Martinez, 35, an Argentinean who also dabbled professionally as a cyclist and soccer player and only began boxing at the late age of 20.

“One of the best knockouts I’ve ever seen in a boxing match,” said Brad Sherwood, 30, a resident of South Boston who is employed at Gold’s Gym in Medford, Mass. “Vicious.”

Martinez, who is currently rated by Ring Magazine as the No. 3 pound-for-pound boxer in the world, didn’t make many “mistakes” last year.

In April, the 35-year-old Argentinean thoroughly outclassed Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik en route to a unanimous decision victory to capture his crowns.

Martinez is slated to defend his belts against undefeated Ukrainian fighter Sergiy Dzindziruk in March at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut.

Provided Martinez is able to trump Dzindziruk (37-0, 23 KOs), “Maravilla’s” future in the ring will become murky.

A trilogy between Martinez and Williams to decide the ultimate victor would be alluring to genuine fight fans.

However, Martinez, one of the rare fighters to enter his prime at such a late juncture in his career, may have more enticing options to ponder.

Legendary prizefighters Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao and “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather have been dangled as potential future opponents for Martinez.

“If you’re Pacquiao, would you go near him? You think Mayweather will fight him?” Martinez promoter Lou DiBella asked rhetorically. “We’re going to have a problem making the next fight because that’s how good he is.”

DiBella, a graduate of Tufts University and Harvard Law School, continued.

“Against Williams, that was one of the great knockout punches of another great fighter I’ve ever seen. That punch would have knocked anyone out.”

Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KO) trainer Freddie Roach actually doesn’t believe Martinez is that “good.”

Roach, a native of Dedham (Mass.) who has on four occasions been voted Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America, entertained the idea of a “Pac-Man” versus Martinez showdown.

"He'll (Pacquiao) stay at welterweight unless Martinez wants to fight at 150 maybe. I'm sure they could work something out with a catchweight," Roach said to New England Boxing Examiner writer Peter Czymbor. "He's a good bike rider, but not a good fighter."

Martinez has not competed at 150 pounds since he earned a unanimous decision triumph over Frank Oppong in May 2003.

Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs), the first boxer in history to win 10 world titles in eight different weight divisions, would fight anyone, at any time, and there is no question he has the abilities to overwhelm Martinez.

Pacquiao has ridiculously agreed to fight former three-division champion “Sugar” Shane Mosley May 7 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

Strictly due to his name recognition, Mosley (46-6-1-1, 39 KOs) was selected as the opponent for Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs) over more-qualified boxers like lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KOs) and welterweight titlist Andre Berto (27-0, 21 KOs).

Pacquiao, 32, the first pugilist in history to win ten world crowns in eight separate weight divisions, is clearly the greatest fighter of this generation.

Nevertheless, Pacquiao could struggle against the much-larger and very “good” Martinez.

“I want to listen to all offers,” Martinez said last month, “and see what comes my way.”

If a bout between the two ever transpires, Roach may ultimately regret luring Martinez in the “way” of Pacquiao.