By Jake Donovan
It took two tries to convince him, but Miguel Vazquez has known for quite some time that Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez would become the boxing superstar that he is today.
The two met early in their respective careers - Alvarez just 15 years old and 2-0 at the time he faced a 19-year old Vazquez who was making his pro debut in 2006. Alvarez won a split decision that Vazquez contends to this day should have been scored the other way. Their rematch in 2008 was far more conclusive and also an early indication of his star potential.
“From the moment our second fight ended, I knew Canelo would go far in the sport,” Vazquez said to BoxingScene.com of his countryman, who just scored a 6th round knockout of Amir Khan in the first defense of his middleweight championship Saturday evening in Las Vegas. “The first fight, my pro debut, I don’t have a doubt in my mind that I won that fight. But it was more so after the rematch, when I knew he could become the star that he is today.”
Vazquez (35-5, 13KOs) also grew tremendously from their rematch, rattling off 13 consecutive wins. The run included his capturing a lightweight title and making six successful defenses while emerging as the division’s top rated boxer.
His reign came to a close via controversial split decision loss to Mickey Bey in 2014. He’s fought just twice since then, his last outing a disputed 10-round points loss to Algenis Mendez last October.
It marked Vazquez’ final fight at 135, as he will now return to the super lightweight division for the first time in more than seven years. His first fight back at his old weight will come versus 2008 Olympic Gold medalist Felix Diaz, which takes place May 28 at San Antonio, Texas.
The one glaring criticism from Vazquez’ lightweight run was a style that wasn’t always aesthetically pleasing. He doesn’t promise to be a blood and guts warrior from here on out, or even threaten Alvarez’ current place as the face of boxing in Mexico.
However, there is the belief that the extra five pounds should lend to a more fan-friendly style.
“I feel a lot stronger not having to worry about losing those five extra pounds,” Vazquez told BoxingScene.com of his latest camp. “The skill was always there at lightweight, but I noticed that my legs weren’t as strong.
“There is a lot more snap in my punches now. I’m more confident in standing and trading if I need to, for my fights to be more exciting to fans who look for action and not just pure boxing.”
Of course, Vazquez doesn't plan to completely abandon his skills but rather use his newfound power to round out his overall game. Should he get past Diaz, the next step is to re-enter the title picture. While a third fight with Alvarez - who now campaigns just north of the super welterweight division and threatening to one day grow into a full-fledged middleweight - will never happen, the hope is that he can join his countryman in proudly serving their boxing rich nation.
"The goal is to become a two-time world champion," Vazquez bluntly states. "I always wanted to fight at 140 for my first fight in 2016, no matter whom against. I'm looking forward to the challenge Diaz presents and moving on to bring home another championship to Mexico."
Jake Donovan is the managing editor of BoxingScene.com. Follow his shiny new Twitter account: @JakeNDaBox_v2