There are some fights a boxing fan just can't miss. On Saturday night, Showtime will feature a fight between two pugilists who have already gone to war with each other three times. When I say war, I mean war.
We're not talking about a couple of slick, soft-handed jabbers. We're talking about a couple of guys who will stand toe-to-toe and slug for every minute of every round. The thought of taking a step backwards is unthinkable. Clinching when hurt is unacceptable. For these two, Mexico City natives, the only honorable thing to do is to keep right on punching, and they'll continue to do so instinctively.
Every so often the styles of two boxers mesh in such a way that it creates the perfect match. Their previous fights have been incredible, back and forth, knock-down drag-outs. Think Gatti-Ward. Think Ali-Frazier. I would even dare say; think Hagler-Hearns.
If Vasquez-Marquez 4 is only half as good as their previous three fights, fans will certainly not be disappointed. Neither of the two has achieved the level of fame it takes to make their names well-known among casual boxing fans, but both are skilled, well-seasoned veterans.
At 32 years of age, Israel Vazquez holds a record of 44-4 with 32 KOs.
Rafael Marquez is 35 years old with a record of 38-5 with 34 KOs.
In their first meeting, on March 3, 2007, Vazquez didn't answer the bell for the 8th round due to a grotesquely swollen, broken nose.
The two met again on August 4 of the same year. Vazquez vindicated his loss with a 6th round TKO. The rematch was named fight of the year by The Ring Magazine.
Only 12 months from their first bout, Vazquez and Marquez met up for the third time. On March 1, 2008, Vazquez defeated Marquez by a split decision. The match was named fight of the year by The Ring Magazine, and by the WBC.
I wouldn't dare make a prediction on the outcome of this match, but If you love boxing, you certainly won't want to miss “Vazquez-Marquez: Once and Four All”.
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