By Mark Vester
In a recent interview with ITV, Israel Vazquez promised to make his return to the ring against a legit threat, but hopes to rematch WBC Super Bantamweight champ Rafael Marquez because he knows he can beat him.
"It was a very competitive fight. This is why this loss really hurts. I knew I was in the fight and I felt I was coming on. I knew I could hurt Marquez again like I did in the third round. But with me not being able to breathe, made things extremely difficult. But I certainly believe I belong in the elite class," Marquez said. "I respect Marquez a lot. He's a great champion and deserves the attention he is getting. I definitely want another shot at Marquez. I know I can beat him."
Vazquez knows that a shot at Marquez is a not a lock, and has a few other names in mind that he would target in order to work his way towards a Marquez rematch.
"I feel fighters should really listen to the public, it would be better for boxing. They don't want me taking easy fights, they want entertaining/competitive fights. So, whoever the public demanded me to fight. I'm all for it. Whether it be Daniel Ponce De Leon, Steve Molitor, Caballero, or Marquez," Vazquez said.
Regarded as the hardest punching super bantanweight in the game, Vazquez praised the power of his rival, Marquez.
"I knew Marquez is a strong puncher coming in. But he did catch me once in the first round and it woke me up (laughing). His punches are heavy but I never felt really hurt. Yes, the nose injury affected my game plan. At times, I found myself thinking about my breathing rather Marquez. Therefore, I was getting it with unnecessary shots," Vazquez said.