Espinoza Fires Back at Nacho Beristain's Sour Grapes

By Robert Morales

Frank Espinoza on Monday night swung back at trainer/manager Nacho Beristain, who in a recent Sports Illustrated story accused Espinoza of hurting the career of Rafael Marquez.

As was reported Monday on BoxingScene.com, Beristain said Espinoza did not disclose the severity of Israel Vazquez's eye injury, thus causing Marquez to sit around and wait for a possible fourth fight between the two that would be tacked on to one of boxing's all-time terrific trilogies.

Beristain said he and Marquez turned down several other fights because they were awaiting word on when Vazquez would be able to return. Vazquez had three surgeries to repair a detached retina in his right eye and has not fought since the third fight between the two in March 2008.

Vazquez, who is 2-1 against Marquez, was recently clear to fight again.

"Nacho's statements are ridiculous," said Espinoza, Vazquez's manager. "It's Nacho's job to watch out for Rafael's best interests, not mine. My concerns have to do with Israel Vazquez's health and career. Israel was hurt and couldn't fight. It's that simple. What is so hard to understand about that?

"Why was Rafael waiting around for us if Nacho knew there was an injury to begin with? I didn't hurt Rafael's career, as Beristain says. If anyone hurt Rafael's career, it was Nacho for not being able to make the right decisions for his fighter when he was getting other offers."

Interestingly, Beristain didn't start taking shots at Espinoza until undefeated bantamweight Abner Mares, whom Beristain was training, decided to sign a managerial contract with Espinoza. This is not lost on Espinoza.

"Personally, I think it is sour grapes on Nacho's behalf," Espinoza said. "I don't think he liked the fact that Abner Mares signed with me. Of all people, he should know this is a business and that these kids have to make the best decision possible for themselves."

When Beristain heard of Mares signing with Espinoza, he refused to continue to train Mares.

"Right now Abner is very happy and doing well with his new trainer (Joel Diaz)," Espinoza said. 

Mares, who fights under the Golden Boy Promotions banner, is next scheduled to fight Aug. 27 at Club Nokia in Los Angeles. At the most recent card there July 30, Mares was interviewed by several reporters. They wanted to know how his current relationship was with Beristain. 

Mares, speaking in diplomatic tones, said he had recently spoken with Beristain and that the two were on good terms.