Vazquez proved doubters wrong!

When Israel “Magnifico” Vazquez opted not to continue between the seventh and eighth round of his first fight against pound for pound great Rafael Marquez, some accused him of quitting. “I’ve heard all those unfortunate comments and they stung me a little bit but ultimately it proved to be the right decision,” Vazquez said. “I was able to fight again and get my title back in five months. I feel fantastic.” Vazquez is now back home in Los Angeles after his spectacular win in Hidalgo, Texas. In what is easily the front runner for fight of the year, the rematch between Vazquez (42-4, 31 KO’s) and former IBF Bantamweight and WBC Super bantamweight king, Rafael Marquez (37-4, 33 KO’s), delivered a thriller complete with violent exchanges and a great example of high level skills and power. The stoppage gave Vazquez his WBC title back. He will also most likely be included in many pound for pound lists. Vazquez dropped and hurt Marquez in the sixth round when the fight was stopped. Some said it was stopped too soon. Although some are criticizing the stoppage by referee Lupe Garcia, Vazquez felt it was right on the money. “I was clearly hurting him. His legs were unstable and his guard kept widening. It was only a matter of seconds before I would’ve gotten him. I just felt it,” Vazquez said. “I have no doubts that I would’ve knocked him out. The referee did a great job. It’s like they say, better soon than late. I think he stopped it at just the right time.” http://www.fightnews.com/boxing/bc/1504.htm

Comments (10)

Left2body

I dont throw my fighters under the bus as quickly as many do. I saw Vazquez fight enough times to be easily believe him when he said he wasn't able to breathe. Even in that fight I saw that Vazquez was the stronger, harder puncher with Marquez being the quicker, better boxer. However, IMO Vazquez was taking control in that fight as well. Vazquez has that crazy abililty to hit just as hard in the later rounds as he does in the earlier rounds. There is no initial danger zone that an opponent can simply weather through. I think Vazquez will win the rematch in another war.

18y ago

scap

marquez is a good technical boxer, it's clear he can't slugg with vazquez that was his error, if he does vazquez is a lot stronger and won't be able to handle the pressure I think your close here but... I think Rafeal thought he could go in early and blow Vasquez out...as you point out Vasquez was the stronger fighter so Rafs plan was flawed. Now-I think Raffy needs to try and box more in the rematch but Vasquez is going to make that very hard and the second Raffy gets tagged a few times the warrior in him will come out, plus Marquez is a good boxer but not a great boxer, a good boxer is not going to be good enough to keep Izzy off. Provided IV's face hold up in the rematch whihc is a big if he wins by KO again.

18y ago

alphaqfrankie

How do you know Vazquez? my dad manages him, Martin castillo and others.

18y ago

uppercut_84

How do you know Vazquez?

18y ago

alphaqfrankie

Yeah, I hope you are right. I just know that Freddie didn't want to train him anymore because he thought he was starting to get punchy. Anyway, the guy is awesome and I would hate for him to be permantly damaged. I've known Vazquez for years and he doesn't slur. Unless Freddie speaks spanish, how would he really know. Vazquez camp did not go back to Freddie for personal reasons. Freddie is a nice guy and a good trainer, but that doesn't mean he's always right. He went on b o x i n g t a l k earlier this year and said Joe Chavez(Vazquez cutman) called him and asked if he could train Vazquez. But Chavez has repeately denied ever talking to Freddie about Vazquez...much less even calling Freddie.

18y ago

Doc_Strange45

Vazquez does not slur his words! He speaks broken english but that shouldn't be confused with slurring. Yeah, I hope you are right. I just know that Freddie didn't want to train him anymore because he thought he was starting to get punchy. Anyway, the guy is awesome and I would hate for him to be permantly damaged.

18y ago

alphaqfrankie

I finally got a chance last night to watch this fight without any distractions. Great fight! I wouldn't be suprised if round 3 didn't win Round of the Year. I thought Vazquez looked a lot stronger than Marquez through the whole fight. What a fucking war! These guys need to wait at least a year until they do the rubber match so they can heal. You guys think there is anything to Vazquez starting to get punchdrunk like Freddy Roach claims? He definately seemed like he was slurring his words in the post fight interview. Vazquez does not slur his words! He speaks broken english but that shouldn't be confused with slurring.

18y ago

niceguy45

marquez is a good technical boxer, it's clear he can't slugg with vazquez that was his error, if he does vazquez is a lot stronger and won't be able to handle the pressure

18y ago

Doc_Strange45

18y ago

Deeznuts

Marquez will win the rematch

18y ago