Israel Vazquez: ”I’m the best 122-pound fighter in the world”
 By Benny Henderson Jr. (June 9, 2006)
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Photo © German Villasenor
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This Saturday night on the under card of the Antonio Tarver versus Bernard Hopkins throw down on HBO Pay-Per-View, rough and tough Mexican fighter Israel Vazquez, 39-3(28), will defend his WBC super bantamweight strap against the once-beaten Ivan Hernandez, 23-1-1 (13), in a scheduled twelve round 122-pound bash.
The twenty-eight year old champion has bigger fish to fry but isn’t over looking Hernandez, who is a crafty veteran in his own right who will be looking to pull off the upset. Vazquez has electrified the fight world with his uncanny boxing abilities and heavy hands and ‘Magnifico’ looks to continue laying down the leather on his opponents.
Israel took the time out to speak to the Doghouse and gives his thoughts on this weekend’s match-up as well as his future, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.: Hey Israel, I just want to say thanks again for your time and thoughts, as always they are much appreciated.
Israel Vazquez: Thank you Benny and Doghouse boxing for allowing me this opportunity.
BH: Give us your thoughts on your upcoming bout against Ivan Hernandez.
IV: Well, Ivan Hernandez is a good fighter. He was the former WBO champ at super flyweight. He is still relatively young and still very hungry. I look forward to getting in the ring with him. It should be a great fight.
BH: Hernandez in my opinion is a tough customer who has a solid foundation of skill, with only one blemish on his record. But when you look at your opponent what do you see as his strengths that could pose a threat, and what weaknesses do you see that you can expose and capitalize on?
IV: I feel that Hernandez is a good boxer. And if you let him get into his rhythm, he is very effective with his skills. But what I have noticed is that he tends to sit there with you and trade once in awhile. And that would work in my favor. I am the bigger puncher and will be the aggressor Saturday night.
BH: Were you surprised with the outcome of the Sithchatchawa-Monshipour fight, and your thoughts on a bout against Sithchatchawa?
IV: I was very surprised to hear that Monshipour lost and retired. But he went down swinging and still looked good in losing. Sithchatchawa is very strong and I would love to unify with Sithchatchawa someday.
BH: What statement do you want to make June 10th against Hernandez?
IV: Well, after my victory against Oscar Larios, I feel I’m at the top of my game. I wasn’t able to display all my skills and power due to the cut of Larios. But, I plan too show my skills on June 10th and remain on top. I want to leave the ring on Saturday night, with people knowing I’m the best 122-pound fighter.
BH: You expressed your thoughts on some match-ups you would like to be in, in our last interview, so all though you aren’t over looking Hernandez what bout do you want after this one, the one that you feel the fight fans should demand?
IV: I feel the fans would enjoy seeing me fight Rafael Marquez, Daniel Ponce De Leon, even Jhonny Gonzalez. I want the big fights along with the big paydays. I would love to eventually move up and fight Manny Pacquaio one day. I think the time has come for me to prove myself at the top level. But I must first get by Hernandez.
BH: Is there anything you would like to add to this interview or say in closing?
IV: I would like to thank all my fans and Doghouse Boxing for always supporting me. I always fight in the honor of my fans and they won’t want to miss this one. I’m dedicating this fight to them. Thank you.
I would like to thank Israel Vazquez for his time and thoughts as well as Frank Espinoza for setting up this interview.
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