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Sharkie’s Machine
By Frank Gonzalez Jr.
August 4th, 2007
“A Classic Rivalry At Super Bantam
As Vazquez TKO's Marquez
in Six!”
Wow!
That’s the best word to describe the rematch battle between
WBC Super Bantam Champion, Rafael Marquez (37-4, 33KO’s) and
Israel Vazquez (42-4, 31 KO’s). This is what its all about,
the two best fighters in the division facing each other.
There was no “bad blood” at the press conference, no over-hype job on how much they don’t like each other, no overdone
ring entrances; just plain old fashioned fisticuffs, the way
it ought to be. So move over Ali Frazier, step aside Barrera-Morales, Rafael Marquez vs. Israel
Vazquez… not only do their
names rhyme down the line but they’re proving to be one of
the best rivalries I’ve ever seen in boxing. Funny thing
about rivalries, they usually consist of great fighters
fighting each other.
It was an exciting contest from the on set, with both guys
boxing skillfully and taking moments to slug it out in
between. There was none of that boring, tap-tap and run
business that have made other fighters so famous. No, this
was a fight that reminded me of eras past. Two guys in the
ring, with full respect for each other and yet, there to rip
each other to shreds with boxing gloves.
When they met last March, it was a great fight, as intense
as any we’ve ever seen. Marquez was executing his battery of
boxing skills and landing the cleaner punches, winning the
early rounds until Vazquez, the dangerous puncher, put
Marquez on his seat in the third round compliments of a
vicious left hook followed by a right. Marquez continued to
win the boxing match until he landed a big shot that broke
Vazquez’ nose in a manner that caused Vazquez to retire on
his stool. Marquez walked away with victory. Vazquez was
smart enough to know when to walk away and come again some
other day.
That ‘some other day’ came Saturday night in Hidalgo, Texas,
where these two Champions met again to solve the question of
who was the better fighter. This time, Vazquez kept the pace
with Marquez and was able to trade punches at a higher
ratio. Marquez, for the excellent boxer that he is, made the
mistake of hooking with a hooker and Vazquez was able to
land his left hooks over Marquez’s left hooks and do
considerable damage.
They fought back and forth for six rounds, by which time I
had it scored even when in the sixth, Vazquez landed a short
inside left hook that put Marquez down. Marquez got up
quickly but was visibly shaken. When action resumed, Vazquez
jumped all over him and tried to finish. Vazquez was
capitalizing on Marquez’ weakened state and kept pressing
with punches. Marquez fought on bravely, finding himself
against the ropes and hardly throwing anything back. He had
a look in his eyes that was unfamiliar and his legs were
rubbery. Vazquez continued to apply the pressure when
Marquez ate some stinging shots and sort of slid backwards
along the ropes looking ready to go down when the referee,
Guadalupe Garcia, moved in and waved Marquez out.
There will be controversy about the stoppage of course but a
good referee has to have a feel for the fighters safety and
Rafael Marquez, for just that moment, looked about to go
down from all the punches and not having regained his legs
after the knockdown. Upon further review, good arguments can
be made that the stoppage was quick but I don’t disagree
with the call. Marquez is a warrior and he’ll be back. Just
like Vazquez did last time.
The only logical thing in the boxing world is that these
guys fight a rubber match, to show whose got less rubber in
their legs next time up. They are great fighters who leave
no doubt that the rubber match will be as exciting as the
last two encounters.
Both will have time to refine their techniques for dealing
with each other. Marquez should be mindful of Vazquez’ left
hook, how he lost this fight and what approach might best
suit him next time they meet. As for Vazquez, the most
important thing he can do is come in the best possible
condition. He will need good speed and stamina if he is to
keep pace with the aggressively effective Rafael Marquez.
Congratulations and thanks to both Vazquez and Marquez for a
most memorable fight. If the pound for pound rankings were
more in tune with realism, either of these two would be at
the pinnacle of that ranking.
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Comments can be emailed to Frank Gonzalez Jr.
8-4-2007 |
