Sergio Martinez will be defending both his WBC and The Ring magazine middleweight titles on June 7 against Miguel Cotto at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
"Maravilla" (51-2-2, with 38 knockouts) last fought in April 2013 against UK sensation Martin Murray in his home country of Argentina, wherein he walked out with a unanimous decision victory. A knee injury kept him in the sidelines for more than a year, but despite being out of action for that long period of time, he believes that he is in the best shape of his life.
"My conditioning has been phenomenal since we began training on Jan. 21," Martinez told The Miami Herald. "When you have 19 years of experience in this sport, the ring becomes like your second home. Although you might be sidelined for an extended time, you never stop being a boxer."
The fight's venue also plays a vital factor, especially when Miguel Cotto is involved. The Garden is considered to be the Puerto Rican's second home, and has won 7 of his 8 fights in the said arena.
But Sergio Martinez, whose only fight in the Garden was an 11th round TKO victory against Matthew Macklin in 2012, is not daunted by his opponent's supposed home crowd advantage.
"That motivates me tremendously, but then again I have always enjoyed the role of visitor," Martinez continued. "Boos and the likelihood I will have few people supporting me give me extra adrenaline."
"It is impossible for me not to find motivation in this fight. All the factors are very obvious," he added.
At 39 years old, Sergio Martinez has had a decorated career in boxing. Given his age and experience, retirement may be in the horizon, but he has made it clear that no plans will be made until his next two fights.
But he has promised two things: dominance for his upcoming fight, and possibly a knockout victory.
"I expect him to cut the ring and go to the body," Martinez confidently said. "But he is not going to be able to withstand my pressure and busy pace. I will obligate him to fight him at my pace, and it will become uncomfortable for him.
"He will end up being knocked out. I don't see this fight going the distance."
