Sergio Martinez will not retire

After lengthy discussions with members of his team, now-former WBC Middleweight Champion Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez has decided to continue his boxing career.

"Miguel De Pablos (Business Manager) and I met with Sergio at his home in Madrid and he says he is 100% healthy and ready to do what it takes to return to the very top of boxing," said Martinez advisor Sampson Lewkowicz.

Lewkowicz says Martinez will first undergo a full battery of head-to-toe testing from top specialists in New York, but pending full medical clearance, the former champion will be returning to the ring on a mission.

"Against Cotto, Sergio was badly hurt in the opening round from the first left hook that landed," continued Lewkowicz, "after that, he remembers only pieces and had very little control of his body and especially his legs. He fought entirely on instinct. It was the worst night of his entire career and he is coming back to prove he is a superstar fighter who just had a bad night."

"He got caught with an unexpected punch and it disconnected his body. It happens in boxing, especially against a puncher like Miguel Cotto. If you look at the tape of the fight, look how slow his hands were. A bad knee doesn't cause your hands to slow. It was clear it was not the real Sergio in the ring that night."

No opponent or return date have yet been finalized, but an announcement will be made in the near future.