This past weekend at the annual International Boxing Hall of Fame induction weekend banquet, former middleweight champion Sergio Martinez announced his plans to retire.  It was a bittersweet moment, because Sergio was one of the top pound for pound fighters in the world over the past 5 years or so.  Retirement did not however come as a surprise after the crushing loss last June at the hands of Miguel Cotto.  Sergio suffered recurring elbow and knee injuries which accelerated the decline of  his movement, speed, and power the last few years.   Age may also be a factor ( unless you are Bernard Hopkins) in regards to the announcement, with Sergio turning the age of 40 this year.

Sergio had a successful Championship reign in the middleweight division, showcasing extreme athletic ability, and skill while  taking on some of the best fighters in the world. Hard fights like: Paul Williams, Kelly Pavlik, Matthew Macklin, Martin Murray, Julio Caesar Chavez Jr, and Miguel Cotto.  Sergio will definitely be missed in the boxing community, but let’s  help him celebrate his career, and wish him well in the future.