Israel Vazquez Part Two: “No more excuses Rafael!” - Boxing Interview
 INTERVIEW By Benny Henderson Jr (Feb 13, 2008) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © German Villasenor)
It has been thirteen rounds of bloody hell, and coming up March 1st on Showtime’s championship boxing 9:00 PM ET/PT Vazquez vs. Marquez III should not disappoint as the two Mexican warriors go toe to toe in the final chapter of their three fight saga.
The WBC super bantamweight titleholder Israel Vazquez 42-4 (31) and arch nemesis Rafael Marquez 37-4 (33) take center stage at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA, in their final go around in a 122-pound championship match-up. Broken noses, knockdowns and knockouts were what the first two fights produced and although the second bout has been marred by accusations of an early stoppage by the Marquez camp, Vazquez has three words for his upcoming opponent, “no more excuses!”
In the second part of this Doghouse exclusive conducted with Israel Vazquez as well as his manager Frank Espinoza, the two dive into the effects of war in the ring, what they both do to keep their minds in the game and what this three part tale means to boxing, enjoy.
BH: The last two fights between you and Marquez have been bloody brawls. So far you have suffered a broken nose, two cuts eyes. Do you fear that these wars could possibly take its toll on you in later years?
IV: It's part of boxing and nothing comes easy when you’re trying to reach the top of that mountain. And I want it that bad. I do think about the future. And I'm trying to make a living for my family. I want my kids to have a better life than I had. The day will come when I will hang up my gloves, but when I do, I want to look back and be proud of what I've accomplished. I also want people to remember me as great champion. A warrior.
BH: This question is to Frank, what are your thoughts on this upcoming match-up and its impact it will have on the boxing world?
Frank Espinoza: Well this will be another great fight. The first two fights were sensational and the people are eagerly waiting for the third fight. I feel we are watching something very special. I truly believe we are watching the best trilogy. Both guys are warriors. But I also feel we are watching the next Mexican superstar, Israel ‘Magnifico’ Vazquez!
BH: I asked Israel how he keeps grounded with all the media frenzy and such surrounding such a big fight, what do you say to your fighter to keep him focused?
FE: Well Israel is a very humble person. I know he appreciates all the attention that is being given to him. But he knows what is at stake. I remind him not to be over confident and keep doing what he has been doing, that got him here. I also made sure to have a closed camp, so he cannot be distracted by fans or the media.
BH: Back to Israel, how has your training camp been for this fight?
IV: The training camp has been very good. I have good sparring partners and I'm working hard. Rudy Perez has been teaching me new things and correcting the mistakes I made in the last fight. I'm feeling good.
BH: If you could send out a message to Rafael before the fight what would you say?
IV: No more excuses! Last time he said the referee help me out and accused me of skinning the gloves. But this won't be the case for the third fight. I'm going to prove to him it was no fluke. I'm going all out on March 1st.
BH: Is there anything in closing you guys would like to add or say?
IV: I would like to thank all my fans and Doghouse Boxing. I appreciate your support and make sure to watch March 1st! It will be another exciting fight and will live up to the hype!
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.
PART ONE.
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