Petra Kirsch – Gelsenkirchen
Since Sergio Martinez dropped Sergiy Dzinziruk five times in order to secure a one-sided technical knockout earlier in the year, speculation has been rife over whom Maravila’s next opponent will be. His promoter, Lou DiBella, has today, Wednesday, spoken out regarding the rumours…
Ishida not definite
“I’ve just given HBO a few names but anything else is premature,” DiBella (pictured above) is reported to have said by Boxing Scene.
Nobuhiro Ishida stunned the boxing world by knocking out previously undefeated brawler James Kirkland in an emphatic two minute victory on Saturday April 9 at the Action Heroes event in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas.
Consequently, the Japanese super welterweight’s stock has now risen considerably and the 154lb overnight star has been rumoured to be lined up as Martinez’s next opponent, as reported by On The Beak.
“I like Ishida,” DiBella mused. “He’s one of the names I’ve submitted. He is exciting and, in beating Kirkland the way he did, he beat a guy who so many people considered a beast.”
On The Beak‘s candidates:
- Nobuhiro Ishida (23-6-2, 8ko)
The 35-year-old’s introduction to an American audience could not have been more shocking as he thrice dropped James Kirkland en route to his eighth knockout win. Ishida showed good hand-speed in order to find Kirkland’s chin with one-two punch combinations. He has lost six times, but not once has be been stopped.
- Marco Antonio Rubio
Like Ishida, Rubio enjoyed a surprise victory last weekend. Unlike Ishida, Rubio is in the same weight class as Martinez. Having already fought a natural super welterweight in Sergiy Dzinziruk, Martinez’s team and HBO may elect to match him up with a seasoned campaigner at 160lbs. Rubio recently kayoed highly-rated Canadian contender David Lemieux.
- Antonio Margarito
The Mexican is the only fighter to have knocked out Martinez. The fight was in 2000 and the notion of revenge may be one that enthuses Maravila, however, it seems likely that Miguel Cotto will be the one to first get his hands on Margarito.
- Kermit Cintron
Martinez and Cintron fought to a majority draw in 2009. Two judges scored it even at 113-113 while one judge gave a verdict of 116-110 that the majority of observers agreed with. Martinez was dominant, and looked impressive also.
- Andre Dirrell
Dirrell is an elusive boxer-mover and a natural super middleweight. If Lou DiBella and Martinez’s camp are determined to usurp Manny Pacquiao’s pound-for-pound crown then instead of focussing on boxers from super welterweight, or his own middleweight division, Martinez could cement his claim as the top boxer on the planet by seeking out guys at 168lbs. Dirrell is available, has not fought in over a year, is looking to re-establish himself and is a good name to have on the resume.
And one who probably won’t be matched with Martinez:
- Dmitry Pirog
“F*ck Dmitry Pirog,” DiBella bellowed at a press conference for Martinez’s last fight against Dzinziruk. “We’re never fighting Dmitriy Pirog.
“That was our belt that [the WBO] stole from him and we’re not fighting Dmitry Pirog who has never done anything but beat Daniel Jacobs to deserve a big fight. F*ck Dmitry Pirog.”
For boxing’s biggest stories click here
onthebeak@gmail.com
One Response to “Rest Of World Weigh-In: Lou DiBella clarifies Sergio Martinez – Nobuhiro Ishida rumours, submits shortlist of opponents to HBO”