Israel Vazquez: “Marquez, I’m going to knock you out!”
 INTERVIEW By Benny Henderson Jr (Feb 27, 2007) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © German Villasenor)
If you have a hankering for a backstreet style of vicious brawling, or looking for a plethora of pain, or just want to witness some all out butt-kicking action then there is no need to look any further! I assure you, this weekend’s championship bash at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA between the reigning WBC super bantamweight champion Israel Vazquez 41-3 (30) and hard hitting challenger Rafael Marquez 36-3 (32) to be televised live on Showtime 9 PM EST.PT, will appease even the biggest appetite for destruction!
Standing at just 5’6” weighing in at 122-pounds, this little firecracker packs a punch and puts on a hellacious show while delivering it.
Nicknamed ‘Magnifico’, the Mexican born boxer opened up his pro career in 1995 with nine consecutive wins including eight knockouts before falling to defeat for the first time in his career. Vazquez picked back up and went back to business defeating the likes of then undefeated Oscar Larios (KO1), former Mexican super bantamweight champ Enrique Angeles (TKO9), and hard-hitting Agustin Lorenzo (TKO8) before falling to defeat via split decision from the hands of Marcos Licona in 1999.
Since the new millennium Vazquez has pounded out a 19-1 (14) record with his last loss coming from the hands of Oscar Larios. In turn Vazquez put a hurting on Larios in their rubber match back in December of 2005 to win the WBC super bantamweight title
In his quest to be the best Israel has strapped on the IBA Continental, NABF, the IBF and WBC super bantamweight titles, currently holding the WBC and is recognized as the 122-pound Ring magazine’s champ. Vazquez has stopped his last three opponents and in his last brawl had an unforgettable scrap against tough guy Jhonny Gonzalez where both combatants were on the canvas before Gonzalez’s corner threw in the towel in the 10th round to halt the punishment.
The twenty-nine year old is undefeated in all six of his championship clashes 6-0 (5), and will have his hands full to make it the luck number seven against a much game Rafael Marquez, who has compiled fifteen consecutive victories, twelve stoppages. This is projected as being a candidate for fight of the year, and Vazquez gives his word, the fans will not be let down in this one.
Vazquez took the time out once again to give his thoughts on Doghouse Boxing, enjoy.
Benny Henderson Jr.: Well my brother this was the fight you have been wanting; now just days away and it will be on, give the readers your thoughts on going head to head with Marquez.
Israel Vazquez: I’m feeling very excited and motivated. I can’t wait to get in the ring and throw punches. I took this fight with Marquez, because the people wanted it. And now they are getting it. I want the people to know Israel Vazquez fears no one and is always up for a challenge.
BH: How about your preparation for this fight, and what about the trainer situation? Being honest, has it dampened your training and mind set for this throw down?
IV: Well, there is a slim chance Freddie may be there. But if he is not, it’s ok. I’ve had a good camp and been working with Freddie’s right hand man, Justin Fortune. Ultimately, it’s going to be me fighting the fight, not Freddie. I’m ready.
BH: The scheduled bout between you and Marquez has the fight world salivating in wait for this scrap, myself and many others are projecting a hellacious fight, what about yourself, what type of fight are you expecting, will it live up to the hype?
IV: I honestly feel this fight will live up to its hype. Marquez and I have a reputation of making exciting fights. We both hit hard and like to fight. I’m expecting a war with Marquez. The fans are the true winners here and deserve a good show. This should be fight of the year.
BH: What about a fight plan for this fight, what style will you adapt to for this match-up?
IV: Well I don’t want to give up any strategies. But I’m ready for whatever Marquez brings to the table. He’s a good boxer/puncher and likes to counter. I know I’m going to have my hands full on March 3rd, but feel very confident in myself.
BH: I ask this of every fighter on their opposition, we have our thoughts and opinions on fighters and their strengths and weaknesses, etcetera. but I want to know your thoughts on this. What strengths do you feel will pose a serious threat in this match-up, and what weaknesses do you see that you feel like you can feed on to secure yourself another victory?
IV: Well, I’m the biggest puncher Marquez has ever faced. He has been knocked out by lighter guys before and now he’s moving up in weight. Marquez should never feel too comfortable because I’m only one punch away to changing things. I’ve been working to improve my defense. And I’ve had great sparring partners to help me improve.
BH: If you could send out a message to Marquez what would it be?
IV: I respect you very much. You were a great champion at 118lbs. But when we get in the ring on March 3rd, there are no friends. I’m going to knock you out.
BH: Anything you would like to say or add in closing?
IV: Thank you Doghouse Boxing for supporting me and thank you to all my fans. Be sure to watch March 3rd, because it’s going to be another war. Trust me, your not going to want to miss it!
I’d like to thank Frank Espinoza once again for setting up another interview, and thanks goes out to Israel Vazquez for giving his thoughts to the Doghouse.
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