Martinez vs Murray: Sergio predicts eighth round KO

Sergio Martinez isn't lacking for confidence ahead of Saturday's homecoming fight in Argentina against Martin Murray, saying he'll end the fight early, and that he's feeling great at age 38:

"We have watched tapes of Martin Murray's past fights, he is a come forward boxer and will give me a good challenge in the ring, but it will not be enough. The way I see this fight playing out in my mind, I will KO Murray in the eighth round.

"I might be 38 years old of age, but my body does not feel like it. I take care of myself mentally and physically. I am constantly in the gym working out even when I do not have a fight lined up in order to keep my body in shape."

Martinez (50-2-2, 28 KO) is the heavy favorite against unbeaten Murray (25-0-1, 11 KO), a solid contender who gave Felix Sturm a really good fight in December 2011. Since then, the 30-year-old Englishman has won twice, against hopelessly overmatched Karim Achour and Jorge Navarro.

If Sergio is successful as expected by the vast majority, his top option for later this year still appears to be a money rematch with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, whom he defeated last September, dominating 11 rounds before nearly letting it slip away in a thrilling final frame.