Chat with Sergio Martinez

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SportsNation

Welcome to SportsNation! On Tuesday, we're going inside the boxing ring when Sergio Martinez stops by to chat about his WBC middleweight title defense on June 7.

Martinez (51-2-2, 28 KO) takes on Miguel Cotto (38-4, 31 KO) for Martinez's WBC middleweight belt. The fight will be live from Madison Square Garden in New York City Saturday at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on HBO PPV.

Martinez enters the bout as ESPN.com's No. 1 ranked middleweight and the No. 7 ranked pound-for-pound fighter. He is making his third defense of his belt in four years. He has won his last seven fights over the last four years, including four by knockout.

Send your questions now and join Martinez Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET!

More Special Guests: Previous chats | SportsNation

Buzzmaster
(2:05 PM)

Sergio is here for your questions!

Luis A (Hudson MA)

Hi Sergio, Do you still feel your speed is there? and will your speed be the difference in this fight? Best of Luck Champ!

Sergio Martinez
(2:06 PM)

This is the best I have felt in recent times. The layoff did well for me and it was very needed. I feel very fast in my training camp and I feel very strong.

Ryan (VA)

Do you think Miguel is underestimating you?

Sergio Martinez
(2:07 PM)

That's correct. I believe that he thinks that he is fighting an old Sergio Martinez, but he'll be in for a surprise when he finds the old Sergio Martinez never left.

Patrick (Connecticut)

Alot has been said about Cotto's best strategy being to break you down with big body shots. Have you trained for the heavy body punching version of Miguel Cotto? How do you keep him from establishing sustained work to the body? Good Luck Saturday champ--I've got you by late stoppage.

Sergio Martinez
(2:08 PM)

I take this fight very seriously. The strategy is coming along as we speak and we can't divulge those secret game plans.

Sun Devil (Los Angeles)

Sergio, what is your most proud accomplishment outside of the ring?

Sergio Martinez
(2:09 PM)

A lot of the businesses that have opened outside of boxing. Helping out foundations, anti-bullying campaigns, anti-domestic violence campaigns.

Noe (Albuquerque, NM)

Do you think Miguel Cotto is the best fighter you have faced in your career, considering his current form?

Sergio Martinez
(2:10 PM)

It's the most important fight of my career, but he's not the strongest or hardest fight of my career.

ENZO (DirtyBay)

Hola Sergio, After the victory do you have plan going to Brazil for the world cup?

Sergio Martinez
(2:10 PM)

I'm not going to travel to Brazil, but I'm a big soccer fan. I will watch all of the games.

Justin (Seattle by way of Jersey)

Champ, are you excited to fight in MSG in NYC?

Sergio Martinez
(2:11 PM)

Very very excited. A dream come true. It's one of the most important venues in the history of boxing.

Davis (Boston)

The Argentinean fans were very loud in the Marcos Maidana fight. How do you think they will do vs. the Puerto Rican fans?

Sergio Martinez
(2:12 PM)

The Argentinean fans are the best in the world. 1,000 Argentinean fans can make as much noise as 10,000 Puerto Rican fans.

Julian (Dallas/TX)

I think you have the edge when it comes to speed, quickness, power, movement and mentally, with that said do you see anything in Cotto's arsenal that would cause you issues in this fight?

Sergio Martinez
(2:13 PM)

I'm not worried about anything that Cotto can possibly bring.

Perry (Rivas)

Who is better? Leo Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

Sergio Martinez
(2:13 PM)

Messi.

Michael (GA)

After Cotto, whose next? Best of luck this Saturday Maravilla!

Sergio Martinez
(2:14 PM)

I don't think about that. I only think about Miguel Cotto.

jon (books)

do you eat sandwiches on fight day?

Sergio Martinez
(2:14 PM)

I eat fruit in the morning, coffee. For lunch, some chicken, fish. I eat anything that's healthy.

James (Portland, ME)

What is your favorite sport outside boxing?

Sergio Martinez
(2:15 PM)

Futball.

Jose (New York)

Who is your favorite fighter in boxing history?

Sergio Martinez
(2:16 PM)

Oooh...there are a lot. I can't pick just one. Ali, Whitaker, De La Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard. They are definite idols in boxing.

Mark (New York)

Do you worry about injuring your knee during the fight?

Sergio Martinez
(2:16 PM)

No.

Sergio Martinez
(2:16 PM)

My rehab went very well. Everyone else is worrying more about my knee than I am.

Noe (Albuquerque, NM)

Do you think the long layoff will effect you?

Sergio Martinez
(2:17 PM)

It's the reverse. I think this is the best thing I have done in my career.

Julian (Dallas/TX)

If he trades with you in the middle of the ring could you see his night ending early the way it did in your rematch with Paul Williams?

Sergio Martinez
(2:18 PM)

If Miguel decides to attack, it will be a short night for him. If he decides to box, it will be a much shorter night.

Jason (philly)

it seems you guys don't like each other, is that an act?

Sergio Martinez
(2:19 PM)

Up until June 7, we don't like each other. After that, we will hug each other and be civil.

Flowsen (Germany)

What Kind of Feeling is it to finally feel the apreciation and acceptence of the Boxing experts and the fans around the world considering how it has been a Long and hard way for you

Sergio Martinez
(2:20 PM)

Before, they didn't know me. Now they do know me.

Ken (Munich)

Any plans on fighting in Argentina again before calling it a career?

Sergio Martinez
(2:20 PM)

Yes, I would love to.

Sergio Martinez
(2:21 PM)

Thank you for the support that you've always given me. And come June 7, I hope you see one of the biggest shows of the year. Buy the PPV because it will be worth.