By Sergio Martinez

Photo by Ed Mulholland/FightWireImages.com

It is about 3:15 A.M and I just have not been able to sleep. It has been like this for a few days now. Just cannot seem to get down to bottom of what is keeping me up. So many things on my mind that there just seems to be no mind left for rest. Got myself some orange juice and decided to put something down and see if I can turn this insomnia into production.

 

Toney-Peter II

 

This is another one of those heavyweight fights that weighs heavily on my mind. The first fight, although entertaining at certain junctures, really did not provide anything as far as the overall landscape of the division.

 

What do people think the second fight will achieve?

 

Unless there is a knockout, we will again be left with questions about who really won this fight. The more important issue is: What does a win by either of these men mean anyway?

 

Does Samuel Peter become the “heir apparent” if he is to defeat James Toney?

 

Vice versa, does James Toney increase his standing in the division is he is to get past Peter?

 

At the end of the day it is as simple as accepting the following: Peter is either too big or Toney is too experienced so, regardless of the outcome, neither of the fighters involved will really make any serious strides in the division.

 

The Adventures of Manny Pacquiao

 

After completing what can be described as the most productive thirty-months of a fighting career since Oscar de la Hoya’s murderous run, Manny Pacquiao continues to have self-inflicted promotional problems. He has now become a full-fledged promotional whore signing with anyone who waves serious dollars in his face.

 

One has to really wonder if Pacquiao, who seems to be a legitimately nice guy, is the one making those decisions, or is it others that are behind the scenes who are pulling the strings?

 

I know that “Pac-Man” has now said that he is a Top Rank commodity, but you know that it is just a matter of time before Don King swoops in and signs the Filipino icon making his promotional situation an even bigger mess.

 

Let us just hope that Manny’s indiscretions with a pen do not lead to him sitting out most of this year, as, because of his immense popularity, he is good for the sport.

 

The Potential Return of “El Feroz”

 

Fernando Vargas. That name will resonate in boxing lore for years to come as the Oxnard, California native gave the boxing community some of the most memorable fights in recent history.

 

Vargas was a true fighter as he continually looked to lock horns with the most dangerous opposition available and did it without flinching one iota. His brash and cocky personality embodied a young, strong, and hungry predator who believed that he was invincible even though he was not. His profound belief in himself made him a superstar and endeared him to fans of all races and creeds.

 

Although Vargas was never able to beat a top tier opponent of his era, he was always competitive. His heart never lost a fight, but his chin did quit on him in the most crucial of times.

 

Now, after his last loss by devastating knockout to a Shane Mosley, who is but a mere shadow of his former self, it is disturbing to hear that “El Feroz” desires to fight again in 2007. I appreciate everything that Vargas has given to our sport and hope that he does not return as, although still a young man, Vargas is more than gone in terms of his boxing life.

 

The last thing that I want is to see him make the ultimate sacrifice and give his life in the ring. Go in peace Fernando before you really end up going in pieces. I know your heart can take it, but you can no longer subject your body and brain to the abuse.

 

Mexico vs. Puerto Rico

 

The potential fight between Mexico’s Antonio Margarito and Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto is one that really does need to materialize in 2007. Both of these fighters have recently proven their mettle and the rich tradition between the two bloodlines ensures that, outside of Mayweather-De La Hoya, this will be the most publicized event in 2007.

 

And if we know Bob Arum, the under-card will also feature several contests which will involve Mexicans locking horns with Puerto Ricans making the event an even bigger attraction to the populous as a whole because of the strong Latino presence in the United States.

 

Well, I’m finally feeling tired and think that it is time for me to call it a morning. Hopefully this relief of concerns off my mind will lead to some much-needed sleep.

 

Good night everyone.

 

Contact Sergio Martinez at srg_mrtnz@yahoo.com