Israel Vazquez vs Rafael Marquez on Showtime

By Boxing News - 01/24/2008 - Comments

Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez produced two of the most exciting, bloody, give-and-take slugfests of 2007 which inevitably has led to one of the most highly anticipated rubber matches in history. Now they battle for the World Boxing Council (WBC) 122-pound title and super bantamweight supremacy in the third and final chapter of boxing’s best rivalry in recent memory in Vazquez-Marquez III “Final Confrontation,” Saturday, March 1, 2008 from The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif.

ISRAEL VAZQUEZ:

“If everyone thought the first two fights were amazing, they’re in for an unforgettable performance on March 1st. When Marquez and I get together, boxing magic happens.
“Marquez and I have proven that we’re warriors and we don’t back down or take a step back. We love to fight, we live to fight.

“Our styles are the main reason why these fights are so amazing and crowd-pleasing. That’s why they’re so exciting. You can expect the same on March 1st.

“I want everyone to know that I’m very grateful for this opportunity. I want everyone to come to the Home Depot Center to support us. It’s going to be an unforgettable fight, one for the ages.

“Our rivalry is great and one-of-a-kind. Outside of the ring, we’re friends, but this is a sport, this is my life. Once the opening bell rings, our friendship is set aside for the moment because we both want to win.

“My trainer, Rudy Perez, is the missing piece for me. I never thought to change trainers before, but now I know why I did it. Rudy has been great.

“I think I’ve been fighting much better than I’ve ever had. I feel like I’m 20-years-old again.

“Marquez may change his style for this fight because I know he is a smart boxer. He will be as prepared as I am.

“Both fights were different. I’m stilling learning from both. You’ll see my best on March 1st.”

RAFAEL MARQUEZ:

“I’m going to give the fans what they want to see. I’m sure Vazquez is bringing his best and so will I. This is a fight that everyone will remember for many years.

“Vazquez is a strong puncher. He knows how to set up his power punches. We’re going to work on some things that will limit his ability to throw heavy punches.

“I think I miscalculated Vazquez’s style in the second fight. There were some mistakes that got me in trouble. I’ll make the proper adjustments in the third fight.

“We’re not going to overhaul my style, we’re just going to tweak it a little bit. Remember, I won the first fight so I know how to beat Vazquez.

“Vazquez hits extremely hard. It’s tough to gauge his power from round-to-round because he never seems to get tired which allows him to throw heavy punches whenever he wants.

“I think the second fight was stopped too early. I’ve said this from the beginning. We were both exchanging heavy punches. We were both taking a lot of punishment. I was surprised when the ref stopped it.

“The first two fights were instant classics and I’m sure the third one will receive the same respect.”

“The first two clashes were both ‘fight of the year’ candidates. If the pattern continues this should be one for the ages” said Gary Shaw. “As a promoter I am proud to present this event, as a fan, March 1 cannot come fast enough.”

“I don’t think there is any question that the third fight will be the best out of all of three,” said Scott Woodworth, vice president Sycuan Ringside Promotions. “You can only expect great things for March 1st. We knew from the first time they faced each other that this would turn into an unforgettable trilogy. The first fight was phenomenal and the second bout was even better.

“Sycuan can’t wait for the third one. Not only are super bantamweight bragging rights on the line, but the winner will also become the next Mexican fan-favorite boxer.”

Vazquez (42-4, 32 KOs) and Marquez (37-4, 33 KOs) waged two epic battles on SHOWTIME in 2007. In a year in which boxing experienced a resurgence of public support with dozens of exciting brawls, the courage, skills and determination of these two warriors stood out from the rest. Their second fight earned near unanimous honors for Fight of the Year while the third round of the rematch was named Round of the Year by Ring and ESPN.

Their first battle, March 1, 2007 was an instant classic and early frontrunner to win Fight of the Year… that is, until the rematch came along. Vazquez-Marquez I and II had everything sports’ fans could dream of: Non-stop back-and-forth action, blood, cuts, a broken nose, and vicious knockdowns with each fighter taking home a victory. The final installment is for pride, legacy and most important, super bantamweight supremacy.

“I want to thank all my fans for their support,” said the 30-year old Vazquez. “On March 1 you will see why they call me ‘Magnifico.’ Get ready for round 13.”

One of boxing’s best unknown fighters for many years, Mexico City’s Vazquez finally broke onto the world scene in 2002 with his memorable rematch loss to Oscar Larios, whom he had previously stopped in a single round. Two years later and undeterred by the setback, Vazquez worked his way back into the title picture and won the super bantamweight championship with a 12th round stoppage of Jose Luis Valbuena in March of 2004. Vazquez then went on to dominate the division, knocking out Larios in three rounds in their 2005 rubber match along the way. Vazquez did not lose again until his first fight against Marquez in March of 2007.

The premier bantamweight of this era, Rafael Marquez, ruled over the 118-pound weight class with an iron fist from 2003 to 2006, making seven title defenses and defeating the likes of Tim Austin, Silence Mabuza, and Mauricio Pastrana. In 2007, the 32-year old decided to test the waters at 122 pounds, and he stunned the world with his seventh round stoppage of Vazquez in their first bout in March of last year.

“I know what it takes to beat Vazquez,” said the 32-year-old Marquez. “I’ve done it before so I’ll be ready for whatever he brings.”

SHOWTIME announcers Steve Albert and Al Bernstein will call the action from ringside with Jim Gray and Karyn Bryant serving as roving reporters. The executive producer of the SHOWTIME telecast will be David Dinkins Jr., with Bob Dunphy directing.

For information on SHOWTIME Sports Programming, including exclusive behind-the-scenes video and photo galleries, complete telecast information and more, please go the new SHOWTIME Sports website at http://www.sho.com/sports.