Matthew Macklin says at Fightnews.com that he's hoping to fight world middleweight champion Sergio Martinez on St. Patrick's Day 2012, and the fighter gave some details about the rematch offer he received from Felix Sturm, and why he chose to pass on the deal.
"The terms they spoke about were a joke, they were only willing to pay me a marginally bigger purse then for the first fight but the options they wanted on my future fights were ridiculous. When I beat Felix in the rematch they wanted 40% of my earnings over the next two years. It was crazy stuff...
"As it stands the plan is to pursue a fight with Martinez for St. Patrick's weekend in Madison Square Garden next year, but if Sturm's people were to actually come back with a realistic offer then I would definitely want the Sturm rematch," said Macklin. "Why wouldn't I? It would mean me getting my hands on the WBA title before the end of the year and make a clash with Martinez next year even bigger because it would be a unification fight."
Macklin (28-3, 19 KO) lost a debated decision to Sturm in Germany on June 25, which many felt was a robbery. The rematch was immediately discussed and targeted for November 26, but that's not going to happen. Sturm is still set to fight on that date against an opponent to be named, while Macklin has signed with American promoter Lou DiBella with the hope of fighting Martinez. Martinez faces another UK fighter, Darren Barker, on October 1.