Sergio Martinez career hinges on possibility of another surgery

In an interview in his native Argentina, former middleweight champ Sergio Martinez said he would retire rather than face additional surgeries on his right knee. After a battery of medical tests raised the possibility of more surgery, Martinez said if that's the case, "I would have to quit boxing."

His knee has given him problems for years and it was badly reinjured in his fight last June with Miguel Cotto. He's undergone a series of delicate surgeries and pursued months of rehabilitation. The thought of another surgery—and more accurately the possiblity of reinjuring it again—is giving Martinez pause about continuing his career.

"I would have to look into the situation, because I still have a life after boxing. I would have to evaluate the possible damages looking towards the future," said the fighter. "I don’t want to retire after losing a fight. I don’t feel frustrated. Fights are won and lost, even though I was sure I was going to win, as always. If I feel that I can do it, I will come back. If not, I won’t."

Regarding his performance in the Cotto fight, Martinez didn't blame his nagging injuries. "I didn’t do much worse than usual. I faced a great fighter who connected a terrific punch in the first round, and after the first visit to the canvas everything was uphill for me," he said.

Martinez is expected to have more to say about his future at a card he's co-promoting this coming Saturday. Maravilla Boxing, along with Sampson Boxing and local promoter JEB Boxing, is hosting a night of fights in Cordoba, Argentina.