Israel Vazquez reclaims title in the bloody rematch
Photo: Tom Casino/SHOWTIME It was a decidedly different story in the second fight down in Hidalgo, Texas and the rematch turned into a bloody and brutal border war. In the 6th, cut and bleeding badly over both of his eyes, Vasquez dropped Marquez with a whistling left hook to the chin. The champion managed to beat the count but he was clearly shaken when the title fight resumed. Later in the round despite blood streaming down the right side of his face, the challenger Vasquez unloaded another wicked volley of thundering shots while catching Marquez along the ropes.
Vasquez staggered Marquez with a left hook to the side of his skull driving him backwards and following two more clubbing shots referee Guadalupe Garcia jumped between the fighters and ended the mayhem at 1:16 of the 6th round. Marquez was still on his feet; however, with heavy swelling under both of his eyes and a nasty gash on his right cheek. The fighter who had held the WBC 122-pound belt for five months was done. The champion turned challenger was once more the champion, while blood flowed down his face in rivulets across his chest and splattered on the sky blue canvas.
“I think the second fight was stopped too early. I’ve said this from the beginning,” Marquez says with conviction. “We were both exchanging heavy punches. We were both taking a lot of punishment. I was surprised when the ref stopped it.”
For his part, well, Vasquez has another take, however, after two brutal fights he knows he’s in for yet another war.
“Marquez may change his style for this fight because I know he is a smart boxer. He will be as prepared as I am,” Vasquez said. “Both fights were different. I’m stilling learning from both. You’ll see my best on March 1st.”
“The first two fights were instant classics,” Marquez believes. “I’m sure the third one will receive the same respect.”
The grand tradition of three great fights between two outstanding boxers is a historical continuum that weaves its way through the boxing narrative. Along the way there has also been Barney Ross vs. Jimmy McLarnin, Joe Gans vs. Battling Nelson, and for Mexican fight fans; Marco Antonio Barrera’s three classic showdowns with Erik Morales. The stage is now set for Israel “Magnifico” Vazquez versus Rafael Marquez and it is a pretty good bet the victory will go to the last man standing.
