By Edward Chaykovsky
Most fans don't know this, but IBF lightweight champion Miguel Vazquez (34-3, 13KOs) made his pro debut against Mexican superstar Saul "Canelo" Alvarez. He fought Canelo not once - but twice.
The first time around in 2006, Canelo was 2-0 going into the fight and won a very close four round split decision. Vazquez believes he was robbed by the judges. They had a rematch two years later, and Canelo [19-0 at that point] won a ten round unanimous decision.
Vazquez, fighting at 135-pounds for several years, says he made a big mistake by facing Timothy Bradley and Canelo at weights limits that were too big for him. Canelo has been fighting at junior middleweight for the last few years and Bradley has spent a few years of his own at the welterweight limit of 147.
Vazquez is undefeated as a lightweight and defends his belt against Mickey Bey on September 13th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas - as part of the Mayweather-Maidana Showtime Pay-Per-View undercard.
“I feel that I beat Canelo Alvarez in my pro debut. The second time I fought Canelo was a mistake on my part because I fought at 150 pounds and that’s not where I should be, but the first fight against Canelo I definitely dispute. Those previous fights, including the loss to Timothy Bradley, motivate me very much going into this fight [with Bey]," Vazquez said.
