Israel Vazquez Part One: “On March 1st I’m keeping my belts!” - Boxing Interview
 INTERVIEW By Benny Henderson Jr (Feb 12, 2008) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © German Villasenor)
March 1st at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA, to be televised live on Showtime’s Championship Boxing 9:00 PM ET/PT, two ring warriors will collide in an anticipated 122-pound championship match-up when WBC super bantamweight title holder Israel Vazquez 42-4 (31) takes on Rafael Marquez 37-4 (33) in what is predicted to be a blood and guts war in the third installment of their thrilling trilogy.
Thus far the first two throw downs were instant classics with the second meeting (which Vazquez won via 6th round TKO) was Ring Magazine’s ‘Fight of the Year’. And both combatants as well as the fight fans are expecting nothing short of what has been non-stop action in their first two bouts.
In this exclusive interview conducted by Doghouse Boxing, Israel Vazquez gives his thoughts on the upcoming
match-up. Enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.: Israel, thanks again for coming into the Doghouse, always great to have you my man. You have the big fight coming up March 1st against Rafael Marquez; this should be the final installment of what has been an excellent two fight saga. Give the readers your thoughts on your upcoming bout.
Israel Vazquez: Well I'm just as excited as all the fans. I've been training very hard and getting in the best shape as possible. I'm looking forward to March 1st.
BH: The second fight between you and Marquez was voted Ring Magazine's 2007 Fight of the Year. It must be an honor to have your fight recognized as such an accomplishment?
IV: I was very honored when I heard it won the Fight of the Year. I read The
Ring Magazine all the time and it feels good to see our fight getting recognition. It definitely makes me feel good.
BH: Are you expecting this fight to as exciting as the first two?
IV: Yes, I do. The first two fights have been very entertaining and the third fight will be the same. I know Marquez will try to outbox me in the beginning, but I know the warrior in him, will eventually take over. I will be pressing the action and looking for a fight. The fans won't want to miss this one.
BH: You and Marquez have already squared off thirteen rounds, with the experiences you have had with Marquez in the previous two fights what have you learned about Marquez that can help you become victorious on this final match-up?
IV: Marquez is very strong and is a very good fighter. I do feel I know his weakness but I also know I cannot overlook him. He wants to revenge his loss. But I won't let him. On March 1st I'm keeping my belts.
BH: There has been so much media hype leading up to this third fight, and I can imagine it will get even more hectic has the fight draws closer. Is that distracting, and if not how do you remain focused?
IV: Yes, but it's a good thing. This fight will be the greatest trilogy ever. But I don't let this attention distract me. I'm very disciplined and focus for this fight. I do like interacting with the media and the fans but at the end of the day I come home to my wonderful kids. They remind me why I need to stay focus and keep working hard.
BH: What can the fight fans expect from Israel Vazquez in this third throw down between you and Marquez that we may not have seen in the previous two bouts?
IV: Maybe a different referee (laughing) because it's still going to be a war. Marquez and I are warriors and the fans appreciate our styles. This is one fight where they won't leave disappointed. The fans will be the real winners on March 1st.
Writers Note: I would like to thank Frank Espinoza for once again getting Israel Vazquez on Doghouse Boxing, and a big thanks goes out to Israel for his time and thoughts.
Stay tuned to Doghouse Boxing for Part Two.
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